Students Concerned About AI Dependence
In brief
- Students are using AI tools for coursework but are concerned about dependence on them.
- Four in 10 students are worried about relying too much on AI.
- At the same time, six in 10 see AI as a learning support tool.
- Many students expect AI to negatively impact their career prospects.
- Institutions have not been successful in helping students navigate AI and its impact on their futures.
- Students will likely continue to seek more guidance on using AI effectively.
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More briefs
AI Productivity Boost Remains Elusive
Companies are spending big on AI to boost productivity, but results are mixed. Some workers, like software engineer Iren Azra Zou, say AI tools like Claude Code help them complete tasks faster. Labor productivity has risen in the US since 2020, but researchers say this may not be due to AI. In fact, 90% of firms using AI reported no impact on productivity over the prior three years. Companies are under pressure to show that their AI spending is worthwhile. AI may create more work in the short term, as workers like Amazon data scientist Sarthak Gupta build out new systems and pipelines. The future of AI productivity gains will depend on how well companies can scale individual efficiency.
US Stock Market Rises
The US stock market is ticking higher as artificial-intelligence stocks regain some of their losses. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% and is now within 2.5% of its all-time high. Companies selling computer chips and other building blocks of the AI boom helped lift the market. Oil prices dropped 3.3% to $91.14 per barrel, helping stocks of airlines rise. United Airlines rose 3% and Delta Air Lines climbed 2.8%. The market will watch for the latest updates on US inflation later in the week.
AI Development Needs Public Input
Nearly a billion people use ChatGPT despite AI being unpopular. AI affects many areas of life. It can help or hurt jobs. For example, radiology was predicted to be eliminated by AI, but it is still growing. Experts are unsure how AI will change the economy. They predict 3.1 percent job growth or a 1.4 percent loss by 2035. People need a say in how AI is developed to make it work for them.
Africa's Role in Shaping Artificial Intelligence
Professor Benjamin Rosman says Africans must help shape the future of artificial intelligence. He is one of Africa's leading voices in artificial intelligence research. He thinks AI risks reinforcing existing inequalities if entire regions are absent from the conversation. The Pope's encyclical Magnifica humanitas talks about the importance of including all perspectives in AI discussions. Rosman wants Africa to have a seat at the table where key AI decisions are made. He believes this is a question of agency and responsibility. Africa will likely play a bigger role in AI development in the future.
AI Systems Face New Limitation
AI systems now face a new limitation: electricity. The energy needed to power these systems is becoming a concern. Companies are using more and more energy to run their AI models. This is a problem because it costs a lot of money and can harm the environment. For example, training a single AI model can use as much energy as a car does in 5 years. This new limitation will change how companies plan for AI. They will need to think about how to use energy efficiently. Companies will have to find new ways to power their AI systems.