Artificial intelligence (AI) has grown exponentially and become more accessible in recent years. Notable AI models include ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot, Google Gemini, and Deepseek. Many people forget that AI is all around us, from algorithms to our search engines. Before one can decide on one’s stance on AI, one must understand it.
As we speak about AI, we must note that current Woodbridge Township School District policy states that any student utilizing AI to generate work and complete assignments will be considered plagiarism, and the assignments can be marked as a zero with no make-ups allowed.
The Three Types of AI
Firstly, there is Narrow AI. Narrow AI can only perform a specific job that it’s been programmed for. Examples of this type of AI are information-driven AI such as recommended searches or virtual assistants.
Next, there is General AI. General AI can have human-like intelligence and can multitask. Examples of this type of AI are information-driven AI such as autonomous vehicles or chatbots.
Next, there is Artificial Superintelligence. Artificial Superintelligence surpasses humans in intelligence and abilities. Examples of this type of AI do not currently exist and are only theoretical. However, examples of these in media are HAL 9000 (2001: A Space Odyssey) and Ultron (Avengers).
AI Controversy
AI has been under much scrutiny in recent years as it has become more accessible and advanced without much regulation. The leading argument against AI is that it takes human jobs and halts creativity. The most controversy currently lies in the department of generative AI.
Generative AI can currently produce writing, images, music, audio, and videos. However, these are not entirely original. They take what they know from massive datasets and training to piece together these various forms of together via user-inputted prompts.
Big corporations and creators online typically are the ones under fire when caught. Many determine it wrong and immoral to put a skilled professional out of a job to replace them with AI.
Student Opinion
Interviews with students revealed that many shared the same views on AI. While the opinion that generative AI should be used solely as a tool is not universal, students who were interviewed shared this view, bringing light to a hidden majority.
Senior Brendon Lopez compares generative AI to implementing the calculator into the education system. Lopez states, “When the calculator first came out, no one liked them because they thought they were gonna take away the use of math, but instead they integrated calculators into doing math along with students.”
Senior Angel Suero De Leon recalled a time when he attempted to use AI to help him study, calling attention to overreliance on AI, “…it doesn’t know the book…some things you gotta look up yourself.”
