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This paper proposes a theory of linguistic heat death for AI systems, exploring how language degradation affects cognitive integrity.

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May 29, 2026Open Access

The Heat Death of Language

Key Points

This paper proposes a theory of linguistic heat death for AI systems, exploring how language degradation affects cognitive integrity.
Conceptual analysis of language systems and AI model training dynamics
Introduction of a three-layer model of training-relevant language data
Evaluative metrics for detecting semantic degradation
Demonstrates significant influence of state-controlled media on AI model behavior, particularly in language outputs
Identifies symptoms of linguistic heat death such as slogan saturation and euphemistic substitution
Proposes a Source Integrity Layer to mitigate risks of manipulation in AI systems

Abstract

The Heat Death of LanguageCivilization Physics — AI Information Systems when language integrity degrades, model integrity follows. Within the Civilization Physics framework, this work establishes a broader principle: AI systems remain cognitively healthy only when their linguistic environments preserve sufficient negative entropy through dissent, anomaly, heterogeneous observation, and accountable correction. A model trained on polluted language may remain eloquent, but eloquence under semantic degradation becomes a mechanism of concealed manipulation rather than expanded human agency. Keywords: Linguistic Heat Death · Source Integrity · AI Governance · Model Collapse · Public Language · Propaganda Systems · Negative Entropy · Judgment Layer · Retrieval Poisoning · Civilization Physics

The Heat Death of Language

Key Points

Abstract

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