Dear Editor,

I am writing this to highlight a recent issue that’s taken hold of the world, but more so students: the use of AI.

This has always been a worry since AI was introduced — that it would be the only source that people would rely on — but now it’s gotten out of hand, to the point where students have caught wind of AI and have started solely relying on websites like ChatGPT, which completely erodes critical thinking, problem solving abilities, and foundational skill development.

Over-reliance on AI for simple or grueling answers leads to cognitive atrophy, where students start to fail to develop foundational skills in many abilities like writing, researching and even problem-solving. The research I’ve done indicates that while students may find it helpful as a quick solution, those who continually use AI often perform worse on tests when they can’t ChatGPT something, which suggests that they fail to retain important knowledge.

The increased AI use has caused a rift in trust, with many teachers having to question the authenticity of student work and then having their students feel completely detached. They feel less connected to human instructors that give not just important information, but also human experience on their subject.

A significant percentage of students use AI to complete every assignment, bypassing the learning process entirely. Students are exposed to risks such as data privacy breaches, algorithmic bias, and the potential for increased cyberbullying. I believe right now we have the power to overtake AI use in schools, which will lead to a more informed future.

Sincerely,

Sophie Hill