How Generative AI Is Quietly Eroding Student Critical Thinking and Agency

Summary

This article examines the phenomenon of "Creeping Cognitive Displacement Syndrome" among college students who increasingly rely on generative AI tools. The author, an educator, describes how students gradually transition from using GenAI as a reasonable writing assistant to becoming dependent on it, losing critical thinking skills, authorship, and judgment. The piece argues that colleges and universities need clearer frameworks to distinguish between appropriate AI support and harmful dependence, and proposes strategies to protect student agency and cognitive development in an AI-integrated academic environment.

Source

bskyHow Generative AI Is Quietly Eroding Student Critical Thinking and Agencyer.educause.edu