Concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on critical thinking and creativity are growing among college students, who reflect on a contrasting relationship with technology compared to previous generations. A study conducted by Pew Research indicates a notable shift in attitudes, with nearly two-thirds of adults expressing that social media has a mostly negative influence on society and younger adults increasingly fearing that AI will adversely affect their lives.
Kendrick Murphy, a junior psychology major and IT student worker, acknowledges the benefits of modern technology but remains skeptical about the proliferation of AI. “Newer devices run faster and have fewer issues,” Murphy said. “But with it comes a lot of AI software, which I’m not a big fan of.” He fears this integration will undermine critical thinking skills, a sentiment echoed by fellow student Melissa Moise, who believes that reliance on AI can hinder essential competencies. “I fear that AI being integrated into our daily lives will cause people to lack critical thinking skills essential in our daily life,” she stated.
The apprehension regarding AI’s influence is supported by research from Hao-Ping (Hank) Lee and colleagues, who found that while generative AI (GenAI) can improve efficiency, it also fosters overreliance and diminishes independent problem-solving capabilities among knowledge workers. In their 2025 study, workers reported a reduction in cognitive effort associated with regular use of GenAI tools.
Amy Montz, an English professor who went through college during the technological boom of the 1990s, contrasts the optimistic atmosphere of that era with today’s landscape. She recalls a time when the internet felt full of potential. Yet, she expresses concern about generative AI’s role in education. “I think with AI, it’s gotten scarier for me. I’m very anti-AI for most uses,” Montz said. She underscored that AI often replaces the need for creativity and critical thinking, skills vital for students.
Reviewing the current relationship with technology, many students pointed to 2016 as a high point. They describe an era when tech usage felt balanced and social interactions were prioritized. Moise elaborated, stating that at that time, “people weren’t heavily addicted to technology,” which is a stark contrast to today’s pervasive smartphone culture. In 2016, renewable energy sources began outperforming fossil fuels in cost, inspiring optimism about technology’s future.
The rise of anti-AI sentiment among young adults resonates with the theoretical notion known as “Dead Internet Theory,” which suggests that much of the internet consists of bot activity rather than genuine human engagement. This idea gained traction after it was circulated on online forums and has increasingly aligned with concerns regarding generative AI.
As debates continue over the role of AI in journalism and daily life, students express a mixture of hope and caution. Murphy summarized the prevailing sentiment, stating, “AI can be beneficial, yes, but at the moment and the way that humans use it, it’s not the best course of action.”
