AI Manipulation and Freedom of Thought

While US courts have long celebrated freedom of thought as fundamental to human rights, its practical application remains elusive. This research examines why this right has remained largely symbolic and how emerging technologies demand its revival. As AI systems increasingly shape human cognition through subtle, cumulative influences, traditional assumptions about natural protection of thoughts within the brain no longer hold. I argue that freedom of thought can refresh established legal frameworks across multiple domains, from free speech principles to privacy protections and fiduciary duties. How can we protect cognitive autonomy when the threats to it are gradual and difficult to isolate? By reanimating scattered free thought values, I aim to spark academic discourse on protecting human cognitive independence in an AI-integrated society.