Research on the “Information Cocoons” Effect and Cognitive Flexibility Reshaping of College Students from the Perspective of Algorithm Recommendation

With the deep intervention of generative artificial intelligence and algorithm recommendation technologies, the information acquisition modes and cognitive interaction patterns of college students have undergone fundamental changes. Based on the algorithm recommendation mechanism, this paper explores the dual impact of the “information cocoons” effect on college students’ cognitive flexibility. The study finds that while algorithm recommendation improves information processing efficiency through cognitive offloading, it also leads to mental set and the degradation of critical thinking. Based on this, this paper introduces the theories of “Moderate Cognitive Offloading Zone” and “Self-Regulated Learning” to analyze the psychological mechanism of algorithm dependence, and proposes cognitive reshaping strategies shifting from “passive reception” to “active exploration,” aiming to help college students maintain cognitive independence and flexibility in the algorithm era.

Keywords: Algorithm Recommendation, Information Cocoons, Cognitive Flexibility, Cognitive Offloading, Self-Regulated Learning.