What began as a tool to make life easier is now becoming a force that threatens to take over. Artificial Intelligence is becoming more and more powerful and people are starting to feel the consequences that come with the usage and advancements of AI.
AI technology has quickly entered its way into classrooms, assignments, and daily life. Tools like ChatGPT, image generators, and essay writers have made completing assignments easier than ever before. Many view that AI saves time and boosts productivity. As more students and teachers like Vogel are using AI for activities in the classroom they are finding new ways to learn and create.
“There are some like it helps with just simple jobs. It can make work more efficient. It can help with homework” Alex Phillips (‘27) said.
AI is becoming not just a shortcut, but a valuable resource that supports students in organizing work and improving their learning. Some people may be on the fence about whether or not it is an important source if it is used for good. AI can be meaningful helping students stay focused, and opening new opportunities to make learning accessible for everyone.
“I feel like it could be used for good. Like, I know somebody online said something about how they use it to help them with their ADHD or something. Or I know a teacher who uses it to just ask very basic questions that can help lead towards learning instead of directly asking AI to do homework and stuff,” Kennan Van Winkle (‘26).
However, students are also voicing mixed feelings about how AI affects their learning. Some admit that while AI saves time, it may also be limiting creativity and critical thinking skills.
Many believe that our students at Arlington High School are relying on the use of AI too much. Instead of developing original ideas, many are becoming dependent on instant answers, taking away from learning experiences.
“People are lacking the ability to actually use their brains to formulate their own ideas,” Van Winkle said.
AI also doesn’t just change our work ethic and thinking skills, it is also affecting the world around us. AI is going far beyond the classroom, with job loss and the impact of technology on our people. The technology behind AI is actively starting to already replace the jobs of real people, leaving fewer opportunities for the future.
“We already see it now. I could see it being used in, like, Amazon warehouses and stuff for orders and such, and I know there are some jobs that are being threatened by AI,” Arissa Matthews (‘27) said.
While some argue that AI can be used responsibly, many students believe the risks are already too high. The more control humans give to technology, the harder it will be to take it back.
Some worry this could spread beyond schoolwork. This idea of a simple tool could turn into something much bigger if we don’t manage which scares many of our students and teachers.
“It’s kind of scary how it, like, just can take over and think and do and there’s no emotion involved,” Jill Hatfield photo foundations teacher said.
