Reality check:

If you rely on AI for assignments, you’re not just cheating on schoolwork. You’re cheating yourself out of an education and thousands of dollars every semester. You might have ended up with an A, and done minimal work, but at the end of the day you paid for a class and learned nothing.  

Students have always cheated on assignments. Thirty years ago, a decent percentage of college students might have paid someone else to write their essays here and there. Now, with the emergence of generative AI, cheating is so effortless that it’s becoming the new norm. Many students are completely fine with paying good money for a class, just to cheat their way through it. Generative AI is creating a generation that will enter the workforce with AI reliance, poor work ethic, and weak critical thinking skills. 

College

The traditional purpose of college was to prepare mostly privileged men to become leaders. Now, the modern purpose of college is really to help students graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the workforce. We have come a long way and education has changed drastically. So many people see college as the default step after high school and forget where they’re headed. It is important to remember that getting a college education is a privilege. It is also important to remember that jobs are competitive and not guaranteed just because of a degree and regardless of your plan for the future, not optimizing your college experience can be self-sabotaging.  

After College

Young people tend to think more short term than long term. We care more about short-term mental wellbeing and instant gratification than career goals and long-term benefits. We favor fast-paced, stimulating activities over meticulous boring work even if we know better. I would rather play video games than read and memorize information, and most people my age would agree. It makes complete sense that so many students aren’t hesitant to use AI because they aren’t thinking about the long-term issues that arise after years of leaving the hard work to AI. The unfortunate truth is that so many students are on track to graduate and enter the workforce lacking the skills needed to thrive. Skills like critical thinking and accountability are essential in the modern work force and those who are depending on AI will lack some of the key skills that make you desirable to an employer.

Look Out for Yourself  

Understanding how to utilize AI as a tool is critical in the modern workforce, and without that skill you might be left behind. On the other hand, AI should be used as a tool and not as a replacement for problem solving and critical thinking. Short term gratification and easy AI essays are not the way to success. It’s never too late to take advantage of your educational opportunities and apply yourself. Doing hard work and building your skills in perseverance and critical thinking will set you up for success amongst your peers. At the end of the day, you can choose what you gain from college. Remember why you’re here in the first place. We will likely all finish with some debt and a degree. It’s up to you to decide whether you will be graduating with or without the skills needed for what comes next. 

Edited and Reviewed by Rebecca Price