The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational environments has sparked debate among educators regarding its impact on student learning. Some educators advocate for teaching AI usage, arguing that it is a necessary skill in a technology-driven job market. They suggest that students should learn to use AI responsibly for tasks such as brainstorming, outlining, and receiving feedback on their work.

However, this perspective raises concerns about the fundamental purpose of education. Critics argue that education should focus on developing critical thinking and reasoning skills rather than merely producing outcomes. The reliance on AI tools may undermine the cognitive processes involved in writing and thinking, as evidenced by a recent study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) indicating that AI usage can diminish cognitive function.

The argument that students need to master the skill of writing prompts for AI overlooks the importance of nurturing their intellectual capabilities. Critics suggest that students should prioritize developing their own thinking skills before applying them in a workplace context. Furthermore, the suggestion that AI can replace human feedback in the writing process is seen as detrimental, as peer review fosters essential interpersonal skills and critical engagement with one's own work.

While some educators view the use of AI as inevitable, alternatives exist that emphasize traditional learning methods. For instance, some educators have implemented practices such as requiring students to write by hand to mitigate the temptation to cheat. This approach aims to encourage genuine learning and personal growth, which may be compromised by outsourcing educational tasks to AI.

In parallel, concerns regarding AI's impact on employment have been raised by prominent figures in the field. Yoshua Bengio, a computer science professor at the Université de Montréal and a key figure in AI development, has warned about the immediate threat of job displacement caused by AI technology. In a discussion on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast, Bengio indicated that the integration of AI into workplaces is accelerating, with significant implications for employment across multiple sectors, particularly for roles that involve cognitive tasks.

Bengio noted that the impact of AI is already being felt among younger workers, especially those in entry-level positions, as companies increasingly opt to replace human labor with software solutions. He predicts that within the next five years, job security will diminish for a broader range of workers, including those with advanced degrees, as employers become more cautious in the face of rapid technological change. Major technology firms such as Intel, IBM, and Google have already implemented hiring freezes, anticipating that AI will take over many roles.

The scope of potential job loss extends beyond office environments, with Bengio suggesting that even trade and physical labor positions are at risk of automation. As companies enhance their use of robotics and data collection, AI systems are expected to take on a wider array of tasks, leaving young individuals seeking stability in trade jobs vulnerable to future displacement.

Reflecting on his contributions to AI, Bengio expressed regret for not foreseeing the associated risks earlier, particularly after witnessing the capabilities of systems like ChatGPT. He founded LawZero, a nonprofit aimed at promoting the development of safe and human-aligned AI technologies. However, he cautioned that the current pace of AI advancement could jeopardize not only employment but also democratic structures within the next two decades.

Bengio urged corporate leaders to collaborate in addressing these challenges, highlighting that the competitive dynamics of the tech industry may lead to decisions that could adversely affect society. This sentiment echoes the concerns of Geoffrey Hinton, another pioneer in AI, who resigned from Google in 2023 after reflecting on the implications of his work. Hinton acknowledged the potential for generative AI to facilitate misinformation, job displacement, and broader existential threats, emphasizing the need for caution in its deployment.