A practical, science-backed toolkit to help you think critically, stay emotionally grounded, and ethically lead in the age of AI.
Fei Fei Li
The Human–AI Cognitive Toolkit equips professionals, educators, and creators with actionable tools to build cognitive hygiene, promote epistemic literacy, and sustain agency when working with AI.
Recognise that AI, particularly large language models, mimics human cognition but does not possess true understanding, intention, or lived experience. Maintain skepticism about AI's output, remembering it is generative, not lived.
Partner with AI to augment your thinking, such as for brainstorming or testing ideas, but ensure you retain your identity and agency. Use AI as a springboard for your own creativity, not a substitute.
Understand the limitations and risks of AI, such as hallucinations. Develop the skill to recognise not only what knowledge AI provides but also what thinking might be lost by defaulting to AI. Always fact-check surprising or influential AI responses.
Maintain human ownership of meaning and decision-making. While AI can generate impressive insights, you are the final interpreter and moral arbiter.
Guard against over-reliance on AI that could diminish your own cognitive abilities. Embrace uncertainty and unpredictability, and seek friction in your thinking rather than always accepting smooth AI solutions
Understand that fluency from AI does not equate to insight or understanding. Use AI to enhance your processes without outsourcing your critical cognitive effort or the "wrestling with ideas" that fosters original thought.
Be intentional and iterative with your AI prompts. View AI as a collaborator that requires clear direction, rather than an oracle. Ask yourself if the AI helped you think better, not just faster.
Remember that human cognition is rooted in emotion, memory, and personal narrative, which AI lacks. Reconnect with your personal experiences after AI sessions
Actively engage in self-reflection regarding your AI interactions. Before using AI, consider what specific cognitive task you are offloading and what your approach would be without AI.
Quick reminders of AI’s limits and risks
Guidelines for effective AI querying
Prompts to deepen critical engagement
Tools to create mindful breaks and reset focus
Tools for analyzing shifts between human and AI ideas
Step-by-step verification processes
Supports emotional grounding during AI use
Recovery protocols for cognitive autonomy challenges
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