AI as threat to intellectual competitiveness

I was astounded at the demonstration of the robots used in Elon Musk’s Tesla. The machines are now more realistic and the human interactions displayed more engaging than previously seen in prior models.

The discovery of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized almost everything that we do. Even the way we educate Filipino learners have been largely influenced by the use of this digital app, with learners aged 6 to 18 already adept at using this magical tool to generate ideas, photos, and other outputs expected of them in school.

While its application has resulted in extraordinary feats, the disadvantages of overreliance on AI tools cannot be discounted. The students’ abuse of this application has led them to cheat in many ways. One example of this intellectual dishonesty is depending on AI in writing essays, academic reports, and even research papers. Such misuse of this technology can render students incapable of developing their potential to the fullest, especially in the manner they process information.

The goal of digital inclusivity has rendered us blind to the dark side of these technological advancements as we strive to be globally competitive. While very useful in the academe and even at work, the use of AI will definitely hamper the creativity and critical thinking skills of students who rely on this technology. I have personally observed this in my classes in Practical Research II and Research and Capstone Project for senior high school students. Instead of finding meaning or interpreting the data they’ve extracted from existing literature and related studies, and drafting the outcome of their research investigation, many students simply ask AI apps to do it for them.

Because of this shortcut, students are deprived of the experience and the opportunity to become creative in producing ideas and related outputs. Not only that, their ability to think critically when scrutinizing facts and available data cannot be developed because AI has deprived them of the chance to do it themselves. Even the ability of learners to spell a word and their grammatical skills are crippled as a result of overusing these online applications.

This is seriously alarming because decision-making skills and critical thinking are among the most significant 21st century skills that students must develop for them to become highly relevant and competitive in the global market. AI is supposed to increase productivity without compromising our ability to make sound and valid decisions and to think for ourselves as we see fit. AI cannot contextualize the solutions the way humans can. In some cases, AI can derail our capacity for human touch. In life and death situations, like in the medical field, the inability of AI-powered machines to make split-second decisions that require the most delicate human touch may lead to more harm than good.

What can we do? I am now 37 years old and one of those who have a difficulty in adapting to this technology that has swiftly become a normal part of our lives. But I believe that this technology must be embraced and accepted to help us in tasks that online applications can accomplish and complete for us. Nonetheless, like anything good in this world, regulating its use and avoiding overreliance on it is key to maximizing the gifts that apps like AI have to offer.

In school, closely monitoring students’ outputs like essays, narratives, and research must be done on a regular basis. Instilling in their minds and hearts the value of honesty should also be done. On the part of teachers, using free AI detection tools or, if they can squeeze it in their budget, subscribing to an AI detector app can also be a good thing.

Looking for the easiest way to accomplish things is a bold move, but if it will render you less of a thinker, it won’t be worth it. I think the use of AI may significantly contribute to the development of human society, but its application must be used with discernment. Students who are overly dependent on AI might also be forgetting to preserve their culture and tradition. The preservation of important Filipino traditions like respect for elders and other cultural practices must not be sacrificed for the sake of technological advancements.

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Reynald Alfred Auzana Recede is a science teacher in Marikina High School.