Students are using AI increasingly more to learn. At first, I thought it was a good thing. AI can answer questions immediately, and help a student with homework. But the more I reflect on it, the more I wonder if it’s really benefiting or harming their creativity.

Students are typing a simple math problem or a writing prompt into an AI tool and get the answer in seconds, but with no struggle to figure it out, no brainstorming, no trial and error just an instant response. Sure, it’s convenient, but is it really teaching them?

In my opinion, learning is more than finding the correct answer, it is more about the process. Growing up, when I needed to write a paragraph or figure out a difficult situation, I first needed to think, try out possibilities, and perhaps fail to eventually get it correct. All that struggle strengthened me. With AI, now it takes that away. AI delivers the answer without requiring the person to ever exercise thinking truly.

I worry that if people rely too much on AI, they won’t develop important skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, or creativity. Writing essays without putting in real effort means they’re not learning how to express ideas. Using AI to do art or music for them might stop them from exploring their own imagination.

That’s not that AI is all evil. It can be a wonderful tool if used properly. It can explain tough concepts, provide feedback, or spark new ideas. But it shouldn’t substitute for the learning process. Students still need to think, create, and struggle a bit, that’s how actual learning occurs.

So, is AI smartening up kids, or simply making life easier? I believe that it depends upon how it’s being used. If we’re teaching children to utilize AI as a tool as opposed to a shortcut, it can benefit them. But if they begin relying on it too much, they may lose the creativity and problem-solving skills that make learning worth the effort. The more I reflect on it, the more I wonder if it’s really benefiting or harming their creativity.