> The LLM undeniably reduced the friction involved in answering participants' questions compared
to the Search Engine. However, this convenience came at a cognitive cost, diminishing users'
inclination to critically evaluate the LLM's output or ”opinions” (probabilistic answers based on
the training datasets). This highlights a concerning evolution of the 'echo chamber' effect: rather
than disappearing, it has adapted to shape user exposure through algorithmically curated
content. What is ranked as “top” is ultimately influenced by the priorities of the LLM's
shareholders [123, 125].
eru|8 months ago
As if that's anything new. There's the adage that's older than electronics, that freedom of the press is freedom for those who can afford to own a printing press.
> However, this convenience came at a cognitive cost, diminishing users' inclination to critically evaluate the LLM's output or ”opinions” (probabilistic answers based on the training datasets).
Reminds me of Plato's concern about reading and writing dulling your mind. (I think he had his sock puppet Socrates express the concern. But I could be wrong.)
namaria|8 months ago
Nope.
Read the dialogue (Phaedrus). It's about rhetoric and writing down political discourses. Writing had existed for millennia. And the bit about writing being detrimental is from a mythical Egyptian king talking to a god, just a throwaway story used in the dialogue to make a tiny point.
In fact the conclusion of that bit of the dialogue is that merely having access to text may give an illusion of understanding. Quite relevant and on point I'd say.
dotancohen|8 months ago