Why Don’t Students Want to Research Anymore Rather AI? A Quiet Reflection
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So, lately, I’ve noticed a shift in students, especially in public institutions where they no longer seem interested in real, grounded research. Libraries sit empty while Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools do most of the “thinking.” With just a few prompts, you can get a polished assignment done in minutes. It’s quick and convenient, sure but often shallow. And when these AI generated works are submitted without real understanding, many get flagged or disqualified. It’s not just about rules rather it’s about missed learning.
So why the disconnect? For many students, the traditional research process feels outdated or even inaccessible. Time is tight, resources are scarce, and the motivation to dig through dusty books is low when a screen can give you “answers” instantly. But in trading depth for speed, we’re losing something vital which is the ability to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and truly engage with knowledge.
Maybe it’s time to stop choosing sides. AI isn’t the enemy, but it shouldn’t replace human effort. What if we used it as a starting point, not the finish line? A guide and not a crutch? Let us revive the habit of reading, questioning, and reflecting. After all, true learning happens when you get your hands dirty in the process not just when you copy what sounds good. Thank you for reading through
Or perhaps we could use it at the finish line and not the starting point.
While in the university, before the launch of Chat gpt and Meta AI, I used to write my assignments and research works first by writing down my personal ideas, then looking up samples on google in order to draw deeper perspective and then incorporating the new discoveries from google to my previously written idea.
One could see the effort, personal perspective and natural connection between an individual and her research but with the launch of AI, I sometimes just give it a full prompt and let it do all the work for me while I just paraphrase and submit.
This proved to be a dangerous approach as it made me become lazy and my mind was no longer stimulated. In fact, I started feeling like my brain was slow.
But now, getting my own work done and running it through artificial intelligence to see what’s lacking and what can be made better seems like a much better approach cos AI becomes a tool for learning and not a substitute for my brain.
Does that make sense?
Thank you so much for Sharing your thoughts in this regard. Indeed i think your approach should be applied, a situation where we start and then use the AI later to check for gaps.