Generative AI is being used more and more in universities. Students make use of various tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Canva to help them with their assignments and studying. Universities are now trying to effectively integrate it into their courses instead of forbidding it. The question is: does AI empower students, or is it making them too dependent on technology?
Benefits of GenAI
Studies have shown that personalized learning models, driven by AI, lead to better student engagement and improved academic outcomes (Laylo et al., 2025). Also, GenAI can be very useful for performing tasks in which you lack the knowledge or skills. For example, someone who does not have the expertise to code an application can now easily create one using tools such as Lovable.
Moreover, AI increases creativity and brainstorming. ChatGPT can generate a wide range of ideas or suggestions, and help students to think in new directions that they wouldn’t have discovered themselves.
Risks of GenAI
Students should also be careful about the risks of using AI. If students depend too much on AI to generate answers or create their assignments, they might forget how to think critically on their own.
Several studies reported that overemphasis on AI systems in teaching and learning will decrease the power of conceptual skills among students. Furthermore, the extensive use of AI will lead to an overly mechanical approach to information processing, resulting in less creativity and a focus on thematic knowledge rather than aesthetic instinct and emotion, which can negatively impact social relationships (Karan & Angadi, 2023).
Conclusion
When used properly, GenAI may allow students to think more creatively, learn more efficiently, and take advantage of opportunities where they lack the required skills. Students who depend too much on AI, however, could lose track of the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they gained in university. Therefore, although AI certainly can be considered as a helpful additional tool, we should be careful not to depend too much on it.
References
Laylo, K., Allayorov, R., Yusupov, A. I., & Xolmuxamatovich, A. (2025). THE BENEFITS OF AI IN EDUCATION: REVOLUTIONIZING LEARNING AND TEACHING. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14832302
Karan, B., & Angadi, G. R. (2023). Potential Risks of Artificial Intelligence Integration into School Education: A Systematic Review. In Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society (Vol. 43, Issues 3–4, pp. 67–85). SAGE Publications Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1177/02704676231224705
