THINKING ABOUT THINKING: HOW METACOGNITIVE AWARENESS SHAPES HUMAN-AI INTERACTION

Abstract

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) systems increasingly permeate daily life, understanding the cognitive processes involved in human-AI interaction is crucial. This chapter explores the significance of metacognitive awareness—the ability to reflect on and regulate one's cognitive processes—in this context. Metacognitive awareness enables users to critically assess decisions, identify biases, and enhance problem-solving abilities, making it vital for effective engagement with AI systems in various domains such as healthcare, finance, and education. The chapter discusses how metacognitive awareness influences trust, self-regulation, and error detection during interactions with AI, highlighting its role in improving decision-making quality. It also addresses potential cognitive biases and offers strategies to enhance metacognitive skills among users. As AI systems become more autonomous, fostering metacognitive awareness among users will be essential for optimizing human-AI collaboration and ensuring responsible and effective use of AI technologies.