AI, or artificial intelligence, is the intelligence of machines that can act as the human brain. It can engage in conversations, answer questions, guide individuals to achieve goals, and assist in education like an intelligent human being. The use of AI-powered tools, such as ChatGPT, has rapidly increased among university students, especially in the field of education. While these tools offer various advantages, their growing presence raises concerns about their potential negative effects on students' ability to think critically and learn independently. It is a matter of concern how over-reliance on AI is undermining our thinking and problem-solving abilities.
A growing number of students now turn to AI for completing homework, assignments, and even during exams. Some students have a tendency to copy answers directly from AI tools like ChatGPT, relying on them to quickly provide solutions. Instead of engaging in the process of learning and problem-solving, they use AI to ignore the effort required to deeply understand concepts. This shift towards using AI as a shortcut rather than a learning aid is alarming, as it diminishes students' ability to think for themselves. As a result, critical thinking, self-learning, and self-reliance are declining, which could negatively impact the future of these students.
A growing number of students now turn to AI for completing homework, assignments, and even during exams. Some students have a tendency to copy answers directly from AI tools like ChatGPT, relying on them to quickly provide solutions. Instead of engaging in the process of learning and problem-solving, they use AI to ignore the effort required to deeply understand concepts.
This issue is particularly prevalent among students whose academic goals are not focused on excellence. Some are simply looking to pass exams with minimal effort, while others may be influenced by peers or unaware of the harmful consequences of overusing AI. These practices are often observed in students who lack moral values, have no higher academic goals, study only to obtain a certificate of honors or a master's degree, or aim solely to achieve high marks without enriching their knowledge.
To address this problem, teachers, parents, and students themselves must take action. Parents should monitor their children's homework to ensure they are engaging with the material and using AI only as a tool to enhance learning, not as a substitute for effort. Teachers also need to be vigilant during exams to prevent students from cheating with AI tools. Without such interventions, students may unintentionally harm their academic growth and long-term prospects.
Even so, AI can still be a powerful educational tool when used properly. For instance, students can use AI as a virtual tutor to learn sessions, gather information, fulfill their curiosity, practice languages, and receive feedback on their work. For example, ChatGPT's voice mode can help students assess whether their sentences are correct or need improvement. By integrating AI into their learning process responsibly, students can benefit from the technology without compromising their intellectual development.
While AI has the potential to greatly enhance education, its misuse can hinder critical thinking and self-learning. It is essential for students to use AI thoughtfully, ensuring that it supports their efforts rather than replacing them. By doing so, they can reap the benefits of AI without sacrificing their academic and intellectual growth. It should always be remembered: we are using AI, AI is not using us. Misusing AI undermines human critical thinking and problem-solving power, which must be preserved and nurtured.
The writer is a student, Institute of Education and Research, University of Rajshahi
