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I think it’s important to highlight this part of the abstract:

> modern smartphones are better understood as external to, but symbiotic with, our minds, and, sometimes even parasitic on us, rather than as cognitive extensions

“Symbiotic with, and sometimes parasitic.” It feels like the symbiotic bit is more on point overall.

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The symbiotic-parasitic spectrum likely depends on usage patterns - tools that augment cognition when used intentionally can become parasitic when designed to maximize engagement at the expense of user agency.

>tools that augment cognition when used intentionally can become parasitic when designed to maximize engagement at the expense of user agency

Wonderful definition, thank you. It has reach beyond software I think, into areas like harmful memes (mental parasites); even drug addiction.

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