Sydney Overton, Contributing Writer
“Ask Anything.” You may see this phrase when you enter a prompt into ChatGPT or Google Gemini. What most people forget is that the time it takes to type a prompt is the same amount it takes to find the answer on your own.
Everyone is looking for shortcuts instead of making an effort and doing the appropriate work. In recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have become more comfortable with technology.
However, one specific issue has gotten out of hand: generative AI. Most people’s introduction to artificial intelligence programs was condensed and juvenile, with GPS services, video games or even simple services defaulted onto smartphones. The difference between then and now is that we did not have the unlimited access to it that we have today, nor did we use it to complete mundane tasks.
That is the problem.
Recently, there has been a surge in AI programs such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Meta. These programs are implemented everywhere, whether it be on social media, making an appointment over the phone, searching Google, doing assignments or even searching VCU’s website.
Then, there is AI use and encouragement in classes. Students are already excessively using these programs, but recently, they are being permitted or even encouraged to use it in the classroom. In my time at VCU, I have heard professors say, “If you want to use AI to do your homework, that’s fine. I’m mostly just checking it for completion.”
When students hear that in classes, they think they are able to take shortcuts with almost every assignment and ultimately, they end up taking advantage of that opportunity. When we constantly take shortcuts to get simple tasks done, we lose the art of retention, interest, respect for education and basic skills.
Before fire, cavemen had square and muscular jaws from chewing down on raw meat. Over time, they discovered fire and evolved. When you do not use a muscle, it stiffens. When you are not using your brain efficiently, it will adapt to what it is most comfortable to.
However, this is not just an issue perpetuated by professors. It starts with the university.
According to VCU’s Generative AI guidelines, faculty are required to include an AI statement in their course syllabus. The guidelines mention that faculty can decide how they wish to integrate AI into their course. They have the choice to make the change in their classroom.
In some classes that I have been in, the professor’s statement seems like something mentioned once and then somewhat forgotten. Doing so, professors are making the decision to encourage younger students to stay current with the developing technology. However, this means the students who already use it for individual tasks will only continue to use it in class.
I understand that the university may not be able to change their guidelines overnight, but as students, we can stop choosing shortcuts. We can give ourselves some grace so we do not experience academic burnout.
When studying, give yourself a reward system or take motivational breaks. For example, study for an hour, take a 20-minute break, then go back so it does not feel like you are cramming everything together.
It is easy to ask programs to provide a summary of a textbook or write a response to a discussion post. However, it does not beat the satisfaction you feel once it is completed and you can say you understand how you did it.
Most know that AI is harmful, but it is genuinely affecting education more than many realize. We have moved from chalkboards to Chromebooks. Young children in schools are no longer being taught the same literacy, mathematics or basic grammar skills. Educators in my family have shared with me their frustration with students’ decline in reading, spelling, comprehension and typing skills. These decreases are only worsened by unreliable grading scales.
Yet, neither the kids nor the teachers are to blame. Instead, it is the increase in technology.
We all see it. Kids are spending their pre-teen years glued to TikTok. On top of this, every year of their life, Apple releases a new iPhone model. My childhood was spent outside with bikes and my first phone was a no-name flip phone. So the real question is, how can we make the next generation aware of their dependency on technology?
As a young college student, you are the change.
You chose to be here. You chose to spend your money on tuition. You have the desire to expand your education further.
Now it is your responsibility to respect that choice.