Cognitive Delegation: The Real Threat of AI in Art and Culture

Stefano Monti argues that the true danger of artificial intelligence lies not in job displacement but in the cognitive delegation that undermines human learning and critical thinking. Unlike previous technologies such as calculators, AI generates new information that could foster learning, yet users often bypass this opportunity for speed and convenience. Monti draws a parallel to passive museum visits, where viewers spend only seconds per artwork, mistaking presence for understanding. He advocates for conscious art consumption as a mental gym to counteract AI's seductive shortcuts, emphasizing that creative and cultural activities build personal growth that cannot be transferred. The piece warns against confusing consumption with knowledge, urging education to transform cognitive delegation into genuine learning.