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I really don’t like AI. If we had, say, Iron Man’s JARVIS, now that’s something I could get behind. Instead, we have technologies such as Siri, Alexa, and most infamously, ChatGPT.

Before I get cancelled by the internet, I believe AI can be extremely useful in a few cases. Need instructions on how to make a resume outline? A cover letter? It’s got your back. For non-professional utilization, I often use Siri to help me set alarms while I’m baking, as my hands are usually smeared with dough, sugar, or butter. So, there are definitely applications for AI, it’s just a matter of whether or not they’re appropriate.

*Coughs* Especially in the university setting *Coughs*.

Recently, I found out that someone got in trouble at my sibling’s high school for using ChatGPT to write an essay. Keep in mind, high school is for ages 14-18, generally, and there is a slim chance that they have perfect grammar.

My sibling, yelling at me: “SKIBIDI TOILET >:D!!!!!!!!!!!"
Me, mid PB&J bite: “I- what?”

See what I mean? Anyways-

"I don’t think it [ChatGPT] has anything to do with education, except undermining it. ChatGPT is basically high-tech plagiarism... and a way to avoid learning"(Abbas et al.)

The usage of ChatGPT has brought a lot of concerns to the educational and professional worlds, such as “...ethical, social, and employment challenges” (Md. Asraful Haque and Li). Unless permitted by the professor, AI software should not be utilized to do formal assignments or projects. This would be considered cheating or academic dishonesty– and I don’t think anyone wants that letter from the Dean. In my personal opinion, ChatGPT is great for mathematical equations for classes such as Physics, Pre-Calc, etc. Yet, I’d stop there before it does the math for you. As stated by Noam Chomsky in , “I don’t think it [ChatGPT] has anything to do with education, except undermining it. ChatGPT is basically high-tech plagiarism... and a way to avoid learning” (Abbas et al.) and y’know what? I couldn’t agree more.

I feel as though so many people just don’t want to learn anymore. Yes, I know Physics and Math are not playing baseball with the boys or doodling on Procreate. Yet, a lack of learning is so against human nature... what else could be going on to cause this digital pandemic?

Apparently, studies have indicated that “...overburdened students are more likely to rely on unethical means to complete their academic tasks instead of relying on their own abilities and learning” (Abbas et al.). Now, this makes sense. Burnout is draining to go through, and it makes every assignment 10x more difficult to get done. Using AI in this context is more understandable. High workloads and mental exhaustion can lead to people taking shortcuts in their work, even though they are organically good in their academics. Will this still be detrimental to the learning process? Yes, but there is a lower chance of them consistently relying in AI due to their independent nature.

The last point I’d like to make is in regards to the detriment to brain function ChatGPT can generate in students. The primary functions of our brain dwindle down to a few things:

• Thinking (cognitive function)
• Maintaining bodily processes

Think of the brain as a computer. When you open task manager, you have your first couple of independent processes that you’ve opened, such as Google Chrome. Then, if you look down, you see about a hundred other processes happening. The brain works in a similar way: conscious and unconscious (background) thinking. You learn how to do more conscious, active processes by doing them and build memory through learning.

So, “Over time, overreliance on generative AI tools for academic tasks, instead of critical thinking and mental exertion, may damage memory retention, cognitive functioning, and critical thinking abilities” (Abbas et al.). That’s not good. When I said you’ll lose it if you don’t use it, I wasn’t kidding.

You’re born with all the neurons you’ll ever have in your life. They die and fade away, eaten up by glial cells or other phagocytic cells. This loss of brain — neurodegeneration — is common with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Learning and memorization help prevent them from occurring, which is undermined by AI usage.

The moral of the story here is that AI — whether it be ChatGPT, Siri, etc. — is not “good” or “bad.” It’s a tool to use as you please, but it’s also a tool you do not want to abuse. Keep in mind the brain stuff, and remember that you have other resources aside from AI at the University 😊.

Wishing my best to you all, and remember that your brain can do hard things!
With peace, love, and peanut butter,
Beatrice

Abbas, Muhammad, et al. “Is It Harmful or Helpful? Examining the Causes and Consequences of Generative AI Usage among University Students.” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, vol. 21, no. 1, 16 Feb. 2024, educationaltechnologyjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41239-024-00444-7, https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-024-00444-7. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Cunnington, Ross. “Neuroplasticity: How the Brain Changes with Learning.” IBE — Science of Learning Portal, 18 Sept. 2019, solportal.ibe-unesco.org/articles/neuroplasticity-how-the-brain-changes-with-learning/. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Johnson, Douglas, et al. “Assessing the Accuracy and Reliability of AI-Generated Medical Responses: An Evaluation of the Chat-GPT Model.” Assessing the Accuracy and Reliability of AI-Generated Medical Responses: An Evaluation of the Chat-GPT Model, vol. 1, 28 Feb. 2023, assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-2566942/v1/5c64b009-ab48-47a7-bd66-afc5c46d97af.pdf?c=1677623849, https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2566942/v1. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Md. Asraful Haque, and Shuai Li. “Exploring ChatGPT and Its Impact on Society.” AI and Ethics, 21 Feb. 2024, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43681-024-00435-4, https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-024-00435-4. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.