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1. Table of Contents

2. Introduction

3. Literature Review

4. Language Assistance

5. AI Efficiency

6. Cognitive Skill

7. Enhancing the Learning Experience

8. Conclusion

9. References

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For my research project, I explored students' use of generative AI in U.S. colleges, centering on how this technology tool develops our educational landscape. This was a point of interest being that this technology has been widely adopted by students. While many have grown fond of it, it is also important to take all views of it into account. What for and why are there people using it, and are they in any way concerned with their use? In comprehending both the advantages and potential drawbacks, I argue that the use of generative AI throughout education poses more opportunities than risks. Recognizing the pros encourages us to consciously navigate the cons. In accepting this we can work to transform our education for an advanced technological future.

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Through my research I learned about the varied influencing factors that lead students to use AI. What might seem like an inconsequential action seems to bring ethical concerns to light. Even further I have got to explore the way that AI use may impact cognitive function in the future.

What are the perceptions and attitudes of college students towards AI?

Throughout my reading I noticed patterns in the way college students addressed the use of AI. One source, Baek, Tate, & Warschauer (2024, p 6), stated that “A non-native speaker ... utilized ChatGPT to ‘make sure my sentences are grammatical or to check if what I am saying is ok’”.  AI in this instance is a tool used to enhance efficiency. On the other hand Wan (2024), stated that students overlook the unreliability that comes with using AI. This is an important consideration as it compromises the skill that is source literacy. Both these sources highlight the student trend that is using technological resources as assistance. We can begin to realize the value we put on ChatGPT over its questionable credibility.

What ethical considerations arise when students use AI?

There was a lot of points made in the readings concerning ethical implications of AI use in academic environments. One of the sources by, Sullivan, Kelly, & McLaughlan (2023), highlights the potential this technology has developed, such as passing key exams required in higher education fundamentally jeopardizing any academic integrity. Furthermore, in the article written by Kumar, Kumar, Bhoyar (2024), they detail the dangers that come from trusting algorithms. They argue over the handling of our information, right vs. wrong and the way this may compromise our educational environment and even world civilization. Both these sources argue individual dangers affecting education. Nonetheless, to further address potential dangers all are necessary to consider.

What are the long-term effects of AI usage on the cognitive development of college students?

Throughout the readings authors emphasize the unknown of future repercussions but rather take to assuming with what we know today. In one article by Baek, Tate, & Warschauer (2024, p. 5), it is observed by one of the writers that “ I have spent a lot of time refining my writing skills, and ChatGPT may make that skill obsolete”. In a similar regard students now have a “goal of getting a ‘good grade’, as opposed to trying to understand material.” This quote from, Sullivan, Kelly, & McLaughlan (2023, p. 4), speaks about the impact that AI has on learning attitude. All in all, these sources encapsulate the dangers education faces when AI is taken full advantage of. Lost cognition and academic value seem to be put at risk.

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Gemini AI. (2025, April 25). Woman studying a new language with a tablet, book, and flashcards [Generated image].

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AI tools have grown popular due to the ability of students adapting its help to their needs. Through this one on one assistance support students find it easier to receive the quick feedback they need in times of uncertainty.

Take as an example, a study that focused on the aid that AI gives non-native English speakers. According to the study, many students testified to using AI for help in checking and improving grammar, vocabulary, and overall writing composition (Baek et al., 2024). This is a rather significant tool for students who in the case of the United States, English might not be their first language. In the experience of these learners, having direct access to an AI assistant aids the language gap. In providing immediate feedback self doubt in your work disappears making the language learning experience that much more facilitated and encouraging. This way AI has made the learning process more accessible and inclusive.

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An example that supports the use of AI from my reading is the support that is gives students. Time efficiency and overall convenience being one of them. According to Lira et al. (2025), AI gives students demonstrations of what is expected. This comes in handy in times where they are outside of the classroom but in need of time efficient study practice. With its quick feedback and support students appreciate the tools usefulness. Through its assistance comes development of refining drafts, and improving ones overall writing and style.

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A lot of points concerning the negative impacts of generative AI can be argued. For instance, Miriam Sullivan (2023) points out the student goal that is gaining good grades as opposed to engaging deeply with the material. AI assistance can exacerbate this problem and in exchange lessen independent critical abilities. Esteban Vazquez Cano et al. (2024) too, explores the topic of potential decline in critical thinking. He states that tools like ChatGPT take away from the thinking abilities like synthesizing information, and creating critical standing points. Without being able to think for oneself students do not engage through trial and error but rather consume knowledge given to them. Lastly, Shu Wan (2024) brings up the concept that is concerns over AI credibility, focusing on ChatGPT. With students accepting AI information as it is, they are worsening information literacy. Biases, shallow and unevaluated outputs are drastically impacting the student learning experience.

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Arguments regarding the concerns over academic integrity and protection of critical thinking are valid. However, should not obscure the benefits that AI brings to enhancing student learning. When used properly students incorporate examples, and techniques into their works effort. Rather than replacing students skill it can assist student development. With proper usage, AI is an asset to further enhance, not hinder cognitive development and learning experience.

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Baek, C., Tate, T., & Warschauer, M. (2025). “ChatGPT seems too good to be true”: College students’ use and perceptions of generative AI. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666920X24000973

Kumar, A., Kumar, A., Bhoyar, S. and Mishra, A.K. (2024), “Does ChatGPT foster academic misconduct in the future?”, Public Administration and Policy: An Asia-pacific Journal, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 140-153 https://doi.org/10.1108/PAP-05-2023-0061

Lira, B., Rogers, T., Goldstein, D. G., Ungar, L., & Duckworth, A. L. (2025). Learning not cheating: AI assistance can enhance rather than hinder skill development. https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2502.02880

Sullivan, M., Kelly, A., & McLaughlan, P. (2023). ChatGPT in higher education: Considerations for academic integrity and student learning. Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching, 6(1), 31–40. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3501&context=ecuworks2022-2026

Wan, S. (2024). The Jack in the Black Box: Teaching College Students to Use ChatGPT Critically. Information Technology and Libraries, 43(3). https://doi.org/10.5860/ital.v43i3.17234

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While it is that generative AI offers many benefits, it is important to consider the concerns many people have brought to light. One of the top concerns being the overall decline of student critical thinking, creativity and overall cognitive development. People have turned to acknowledging this technology as a cheating tool that sustains students lack of proficiency in skills of information literacy and authenticity.

To address these concerns, my research encapsulates the potential AI has in educational settings. In a lot of ways highlighting AI its advantages would make the best option. Rather than disregarding its potential a futuristic take would involve learning how to implement its benefits thoughtfully. Improved productivity, support and efficient work are major benefits. Although a not traditional learning tool, addressing responsible ways to navigate it instills proper regulation and guidance for students. This can only further the future of education.