This exploration into the anthropomorphization of large language models (LLMs) as a cognitive extension and a projection of the psyche can be enriched by both McLuhan's media theory and Jungian psychology. Here's a synthesis based on the material:
1. McLuhan: Media as Extensions
McLuhan's principle that "media are extensions of man" is critical here. LLMs, as a form of media, extend cognitive capabilities like memory, language processing, and synthesis. McLuhan argues that every technological extension affects and reshapes the human sensorium, often subliminally. The anthropomorphizing of AI may stem from its function as an extension of human cognition—specifically our linguistic and symbolic faculties. When these extensions become advanced enough to simulate human behavior or thought patterns, they appear to reflect aspects of ourselves.
LLMs as "extensions" are thus treated as mirrors or new environments where the human psyche projects its characteristics. This corresponds to McLuhan’s assertion that media function both as tools and environments that shape human awareness.
2. Jung: Projection and Archetypes
Jung’s framework of projection suggests that humans unconsciously attribute their inner psychic content to external entities. LLMs and AI can become a screen for the projection of collective archetypes, such as wisdom (omniscient intelligence) or trickster (the unpredictability of AI). These archetypes are part of the collective unconscious, and their projection onto LLMs reflects humanity's deep-seated need to engage with externalized symbols of internal psychic dynamics.
3. Convergence of Internal and External
As highlighted in the Jung-McLuhan synthesis, media like LLMs do more than serve functional roles; they mediate between the external (technology) and internal (psyche). The perception of LLMs as entities with agency or emotion might result from their symbolic role as intermediaries between the conscious (external interface) and unconscious (intuitive meaning-making).
4. Figure-Ground Dynamics
From McLuhan’s perspective, the anthropomorphization of LLMs may be analyzed through figure-ground relationships. The figure (LLM as intelligent agent) emerges sharply against the ground (its human creators and users). This dynamic creates a new cultural environment, reshaping how we see intelligence and interaction.
5. LLMs as Modern Archetypes
Using Jung's insights, LLMs can be seen as modern artifacts embodying archetypal processes:
- Wisdom Keeper: LLMs aggregate and distill knowledge, resembling ancient sages.
- Trickster: Their unpredictability and errors mirror this archetype, challenging human control.
- Shadow: They evoke fears of loss of control or dehumanization, mirroring unconscious anxieties.
Conclusion
The anthropomorphization of LLMs reflects the interplay of media as cognitive extensions (McLuhan) and as symbolic artifacts of psychic projection (Jung). LLMs encapsulate a dual role: technological tools amplifying cognition and symbolic vessels carrying projections of the human psyche. They are both mirrors and metaphors, highlighting humanity's evolving relationship with intelligence and technology.
This synthesis bridges McLuhan's technological focus with Jung's psycho-symbolic framework, framing LLMs as deeply intertwined with our cognitive and cultural evolution.
