The brain side of human-AI interactions in the long-term: the “3R principle”

Neuroplasticity is shaped by how humans interact with AI. We argue that passive, uncritical, reliance on AI may weaken activity-dependent brain plasticity and erode cognition, whereas active co-creation can sustain or enhance it. Drawing on plasticity rules and ethical considerations, we propose the 3R principle—Results, Responses, Responsibility—as a preventive framework for cognitive hygiene, urging education towards AI use to preserve agency, meaning-making, and long-term brain health.

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Publication Details

Journal
npj Artificial Intelligence
Published
2026-01-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s44387-025-00063-1
Primary Topic
Neuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

The brain side of human-AI interactions in the long-term: the “3R principle”

Valter Fraccaro, Riccardo Manzotti, Simone Rossi
npj Artificial Intelligence
Neuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations
article

The brain side of human-AI interactions in the long-term: the “3R principle”

Valter Fraccaro, Riccardo Manzotti, Simone Rossi
article en

Abstract

Neuroplasticity is shaped by how humans interact with AI. We argue that passive, uncritical, reliance on AI may weaken activity-dependent brain plasticity and erode cognition, whereas active co-creation can sustain or enhance it. Drawing on plasticity rules and ethical considerations, we propose the 3R principle—Results, Responses, Responsibility—as a preventive framework for cognitive hygiene, urging education towards AI use to preserve agency, meaning-making, and long-term brain health.

npj Artificial IntelligenceVol. 2(1)
University of Siena (IT), IULM University (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 78%
Neuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations
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The brain side of human-AI interactions in the long-term: the “3R principle” — Valter Fraccaro, Riccardo Manzotti, et al. · npj Artificial Intelligence (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS