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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

5/5 (2)

All students moving out from their parents’ into their student housing know the struggle of buying furniture. A room that is way too small, but should still fit at least a bed, desk, and wardrobe. After carefully measuring the walls and buying all the furniture individually, you notice that it is just a bunch of random pieces that don’t fit together.

Integrating AI and AR

IKEA found a solution for this problem. Their IKEA Kreativ app combines the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies with Augmented Reality (AR). AR allows users to design their own room in real-time. By simply scanning the room with the app, users can experiment with different layouts and styles. The AI part of the app suggests additional pieces of furniture and is able to erase existing furniture from the room. Once a user finishes their design, he or she can add all items to their shopping cart. Data from Shopify shows that buyers who visualize an item in AR are 65% more likely to actually buy the product (Reynolds, 2024).

Digital Disruption

Said Parag Parekh, Co-acting Chief Digital Officer, states, ” Through innovative, intuitive technology, we believe IKEA Kreativ will break down barriers to shopping for home furnishing.” (IKEA, 2023).  In other words, the app is not only useful for consumers, but it is also a disruptive innovation in the furniture industry. The traditional offline way of buying furniture requires measuring the entire room and visiting a physical store, while IKEA Kreativ offers a personalized and interactive environment by scanning your room into the app.

For students (or others who have to move), the IKEA Kreativ app is a great way to furnish a room or house and turn it into a coherent space. For the furnishing industry, the app shows that AI and AR are not only a feature, but can reshape the whole market.

References

IKEA. (2023, February 13). IKEA Kreativ launches, making home design even easier and more accessible for the many. Opgehaald van IKEA: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/stories/ikea-kreativ-launches-making-home-design-even-easier-and-more-accessible-for-the-many-pub71d09380/

Reynolds, R. (2024, June 13). How the IKEA Kreativ app evolves furniture sales. Opgehaald van ienhance: https://www.ienhance.co/insights/ikea-kreativ-app