Students’ dependency on AI tools weakens their critical thinking

Artificial intelligence has infiltrated our California education system, as public schools implement the use of AI within the classroom. As a recent graduate, I’ve witnessed the detrimental effects the new push for AI has had on the quality of students’ learning.

Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have become a crutch for students, hindering their ability to obtain an education. Students’ reliance on such sources for even the simplest of tasks, like emails or worksheets, leaves them with weakened critical thinking and accountability skills. Generative tools and grading systems utilizing AI hold similar risks for students’ education, as AI graders force students to produce formulaic work to achieve their desired grades.

In the future, AI could be used to enhance learning. However, at this point, the continued incorporation of AI without proper safeguards will result in the dependency of future generations on AI.

— Kenzington Villareal, San Marcos