Kendall Moffett | Staff Writer
Artificial intelligence can be seen as a valuable tool for understanding and solving complex problems, increasing the use of AI in direct academics presents a number of problems. It’s far beyond software; it affects our environment, brains and our wallets.
Many students and professors at Florida International University are considering exploring Liner AI, which is designed to give in-depth and nuanced responses, for academic research.
While it may seem like a golden ticket on paper, as 1% of the university are registered Liner AI members, it’s time to ask whether this trend is truly beneficial to students, or if it increases existing problems within general AI infrastructures.
Alarmingly, AI facilities are made up of data centers. Rooms filled with computers that require an immense supply of raw materials– often mined unsustainably, and gallons of water; but they also produce toxic waste like mercury and lead, according to the UN Environment Programme.
Even more frustrating, AI is evolving quickly, and using these systems for academic research would mean constantly updating the infrastructure. Using more energy sources that we need for another AI program.
Calling AI a companion minimizes the negative effects it has on climate progression and increases human dependency.
A recent report in Psychology Today found that as AI assistance increases, engagement in key brain networks, such as memory, attention and executive function decreases. This erosion of mental functions directly impacts people’s ability to obtain and comprehend critical research.
And like any other AI program, Liner AI has the ability to be flagged on TurnItIn, which is a risk in itself as AI is already known for providing inaccurate results at times.
The Center for the Advancement of Teaching also promotes using AI for tasks like creating rubrics and syllabi, conducting extensive research and developing exam questions. While this might seem efficient, it erodes the authenticity within the academic environment.
And if things could not get worse, the subscription process for Liner has proved to be non-intuative and difficult, despite the company offering a lower annual fee of $95.99 than compared to other AI programs. According to SourceForge, numerous users report being charged for annual subscriptions after a free trial and being denied a refund.
While AI will continue to expand, we shouldn’t let it run over the academic landscape unchecked. Instead FIU should adopt sustainability standards like Green AI, which focuses on reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint towards AI systems.
AI in academics should serve as a database tool as the value of human skill, creativity and thinking will always surpass what AI can offer.
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect the perspectives of contributing writers and/or university community members.
About Post Author
