Okay besties, so like, big alert from the academic world: our brains might be going full autopilot thanks to AI. Yup—those essays, discussion posts, even class questions you’ve been “just checking with ChatGPT” about? Turns out that could be making your brain, like, totally lazy.
Right after tools like ChatGPT and Gemini hit the scene, classroom vibes went from academic to autofill. Professors started noticing that student engagement was suddenly… meh. Discussions? Dry. Ideas? Mid. Students were handing in essays that felt AI-generated, and TBH, teachers were like: “What even is the point of marking this?”
So researchers ran the numbers. A study surveyed 600+ people, asked how often they use generative AI, and gave them a critical thinking test. Result? The more someone used AI, the lower their ability to analyze, reason, and make connections. Biggest dip? Students under 25. Oof.
Now, pause—correlation isn’t causation, okay? But it’s def giving. Some people felt their thinking skills slipping. One student said they weren’t problem-solving on their own anymore. Another said they couldn’t make a decision without asking AI first. The bots became a crutch, and brains got vibes of early retirement.
And yeah, educators are freaking. One called it a “drug.” Another said “despair.” Office hours are empty. Students are skipping the hard work and asking AI for literally everything—even what questions to ask in class.
But like, let’s not totally spiral. Because guess what? There’s a bright side too.
Some users are actually using AI to boost their brains. Like, asking it questions to clarify stuff, challenge concepts, and speed up understanding—without letting it do the thinking. Think of it as a spark, not a substitute.
One major glow-up idea? Using AI like a Socratic bestie. Asking follow-ups, poking holes in answers, and using it to test logic. It’s not just copy-paste—it’s digital debate club.
And there’s this genius teaching model from Canada where students teach a flawed AI how to code. Yep. The AI has built-in “gaps,” and students have to fill them. Because teaching something is, like, peak learning. It’s giving academic main character energy.
Also, real talk: this whole panic? Not new. When writing was invented, philosophers were like, “OMG our memories will die.” When calculators showed up, people said kids would forget math. Every new tool brings drama—but we always adapt.
So maybe AI isn’t killing thinking. Maybe it’s just exposing how fragile our systems already were. If all school is about GPA, grades, and moving on—why wouldn’t someone shortcut with AI?
But here’s the real deal: using AI before you’ve learned the skill is like wearing heels before you can walk. You’ll wobble. Confidence will crash. Style points? Zero.
So babes, let’s use our brains and our bots. Write the rough draft yourself, then ask the AI to help level it up. Challenge what it says. Don’t just accept it. That’s what smart slays do.
Outsource after you’ve mastered it. Think now, slay later. Your brain will thank you.
XOXO,
By Valley Girl News
Where thinking is hot but learning is hotter.
