Effects of AI on Student Minds

By Lyvia Maloa

People have said technology is one of the fastest-advancing forces the world has seen, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has proven this. Taking the world by storm in 2022, AI has wriggled itself into every crevice of the internet. Being available to all sorts of people, it’s garnered its popularity among companies, search engines, and of course, teens. Although it has helped the world through its effectiveness and productivity, it’s slowly been chipping away at the minds of the next generation, and more specifically: students.

Critical thinking is used when someone can solve problems and can analyze material. It’s used in schoolwork a lot. Between science and language, critical thinking can make its home anywhere in the academic world. So when students use AI to avoid challenging themselves through academic work even just a little bit, it’s like they’re setting themselves up for failure. Given that critical thinking is used in almost every aspect of life, not using that essential muscle will eventually weaken the mind itself.

The use of AI in schoolwork has become a fast growing trend, from the subjects of Math, to History, to English. Students and teachers alike have used this technology as a way to get ahead, but it affects the former much more than they think.

One of the most common things high school students get is a job. It’s used as an afterschool time-killer, a way to help out the family, or just something you do for a little extra cash. Unless you’re the child of a multi-million dollar empire, or a genius, your first job will probably be in retail. Whether you’re a cashier or a restocker, or working in another job entirely, being able to use that critical thinking skill will help you in so many ways.

Solving problems, such as dealing with difficult customers, being able to remember and find things in the store, and being able to figure out how to handle equipment (carts, platform trucks, forklift, etc.) becomes easy with a little bit of critical thinking, but AI stunts this ability in a few ways mainly because it removes the need for human interaction and critical thinking skills!

So, maybe next time you think of using AI to get an easy passing grade, exercise your mind. It’s going to be hard at first, but with practice and patience, and a little bit of determination, you can become a valuable asset to yourself, and everyone around you. Remember: growth doesn’t come from shortcuts, it comes from effort.