The Homogenizing Effect of Large Language Models on Human Expression and Thought

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2508.01491v1
• Date: Sat, 02 Aug 2025 21:22:25 GMT
• Title: The Homogenizing Effect of Large Language Models on Human Expression and Thought
• Authors: Zhivar Sourati, Alireza S. Ziabari, Morteza Dehghani,
• Abstract summary: This Review synthesizes evidence across linguistics, cognitive, and computer science to show how large language models (LLMs) reflect and reinforce dominant styles.<n>We examine how their design and widespread use contribute to this effect by mirroring patterns in their training data.<n>Unchecked, this homogenization risks flattening the cognitive landscapes that drive collective intelligence and adaptability.
• Score: 1.2057938662974816
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: Cognitive diversity, reflected in variations of language, perspective, and reasoning, is essential to creativity and collective intelligence. This diversity is rich and grounded in culture, history, and individual experience. Yet as large language models (LLMs) become deeply embedded in people's lives, they risk standardizing language and reasoning. This Review synthesizes evidence across linguistics, cognitive, and computer science to show how LLMs reflect and reinforce dominant styles while marginalizing alternative voices and reasoning strategies. We examine how their design and widespread use contribute to this effect by mirroring patterns in their training data and amplifying convergence as all people increasingly rely on the same models across contexts. Unchecked, this homogenization risks flattening the cognitive landscapes that drive collective intelligence and adaptability.

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