Core Insights - The article discusses the increasing influence of AI on human questioning and cognition, highlighting the phenomenon of "cognitive tax" where algorithms shape the questions individuals ask, leading to a loss of original inquiry [2][8][19] - It emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the autonomy of questioning in an era dominated by algorithmically pre-formed inquiries, which can lead to cognitive inequality and a superficial understanding of complex issues [2][13][21] Group 1: AI's Role in Question Formation - AI is seen as a facilitator that pre-forms questions based on user behavior, which can lead to a narrowing of inquiry and a loss of deeper, personal confusion [4][9] - The article illustrates how algorithms optimize questions, transforming original feelings into standardized, consumable inquiries, thus replacing nuanced human experiences with simplified options [5][8] - The concept of "cognitive tax" is introduced, where individuals pay a price for clarity, sacrificing the richness of their original, unarticulated feelings for more straightforward, algorithm-friendly questions [8][11] Group 2: Implications for Society and Individuals - The article argues that the current digital environment creates a disparity in question visibility, where not all inquiries are recognized or validated by society, leading to a new form of cognitive hierarchy [13][14] - It highlights the shift from internal contemplation to external prompting, where individuals increasingly rely on algorithms to define their questions, resulting in a loss of the ability to articulate personal confusion [16][19] - The discussion raises concerns about the commodification of inquiry, where questions must be framed in a way that is socially shareable and marketable, further entrenching cognitive inequality [14][20] Group 3: The Need for Authentic Inquiry - The article posits that true questioning must remain open-ended and uncomfortable, resisting the urge to conform to algorithmically defined norms [21][22] - It suggests that the ability to maintain discomfort with algorithmically generated questions is crucial for resisting cognitive manipulation and reclaiming authentic inquiry [15][21] - The piece concludes that the challenge lies in distinguishing between genuine questions and those shaped by external influences, emphasizing the need for a critical approach to questioning in the digital age [20][21]