The Growing Dependency on AI in Academia
By: Raaid Bakridi CIPP/US
I. Introduction
In the 21st century, Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) has become an integral part of daily life. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to machine learning algorithms powering recommendation systems,[1] AI is undeniably everywhere;[2] increasingly, it is becoming normalized in daily life. As U.S. Vice President JD Vance puts it, AI presents an “extraordinary prospect of a new industrial revolution, one on par with the invention of the steam engine.”[3]
AI has also made significant strides in education and academia, offering tools that assist students with research, outlining, essay writing, and even solving complex mathematical and technical problems.[4] However, this convenience comes at a cost. An analysis of AI tutors highlights their potential to enhance education while also raising concerns about overreliance on technology.[5] Rather than using AI as a supplement, many students rely on it to complete their work for them while still receiving credit, which poses challenges to academic integrity and the role of AI in learning.[6] This growing dependence raises concerns about its impact on creativity, critical thinking, overall academic performance, and long-term career prospects. Students are becoming more dependent on AI for their schoolwork, and the potential dangers of this dependency raises significant concerns and implications for their future.[7] If students continue to let AI think for them, the future of our nation will face extreme challenges.
