What Students Lose When Writing Is Outsourced to AI

What Good Is Writing Anyway?

Since the launch of AI writing tools like ChatGPT in 2022, student use of AI assistance for essays has surged. This raises concerns beyond just academic honesty. Educators worry about the effects on intellectual growth and critical thinking. Experts from various fields offer insights on what students might lose when AI takes over the writing process.

Alice Flaherty, Neurologist

Outsourcing tasks to machines means our brains can lose skills over time. The brain prioritizes what it uses most, sometimes shrinking areas related to unused abilities. If AI handles language skills like finding the right words, we free up brain space—but for what? It’s unclear what new skills might replace those lost to AI dependency.

Leslie Valiant, Computer Scientist

Education needs a rethink, not just because of AI, but because we haven’t deeply studied how humans learn. AI can simulate any cognitive process we define, which means education shouldn’t be about competing with machines. Instead, educators must decide what human learning should achieve, beyond just writing essays.

Susanna Siegel, Philosopher

Writing an essay isn’t just about the final answer. The real value lies in the process—the false starts, the dead ends, the chaotic thinking that leads to insight. When AI crafts the words for us, we miss out on the mental effort that connects ideas, evokes emotions, and builds understanding. Writing from scratch guides others through our thought journey, which AI can’t replicate.

Tomer Ullman, Cognitive Scientist

Imagine an alien intelligence that answers any question instantly. It’s useful for quick info, like translations or recipes. But if students rely solely on it for essays, they miss what writing is meant to teach. Using AI to shortcut learning defeats the purpose of taking a class in the first place.

Talia Konkle, Cognitive Neuroscientist

Active learning—creating content yourself—boosts retention. The “testing effect” shows that trying to recall or generate answers strengthens memory more than passive reading. AI can aid active learning if used to support it, but if it replaces the effort, it harms skill development. Students must know when to engage deeply and when to use AI for efficiency.

Joshua Greene, Psychologist and Philosopher

Relying on AI for thinking is nothing new—students have always had help. But now, AI substitutes are always available, making it tempting to skip learning. Still, thinking well remains crucial. Even if machines handle many tasks, we need people who can envision and guide a better future, requiring sharp intellectual skills.

Mary Lewis, Historian

Writing is as much about thinking as it is about the finished piece. AI-generated essays recycle existing ideas instead of creating new ones. Writing forces us to think, producing knowledge through the process. AI’s predictive approach can mimic reflection but lacks true creativity or originality.

GPT-4

When students let AI write their essays, they miss critical learning opportunities. Writing develops critical thinking, deepens understanding, and hones communication skills. Skipping the process means losing chances to clarify ideas, structure arguments, and find a unique voice. Overreliance on AI can hinder academic growth and personal confidence, and raises ethical concerns.

For writers and educators looking to balance AI tools with skill development, focusing on when and how to use AI can preserve the benefits of active learning. Explore practical AI courses and strategies at Complete AI Training to integrate AI without sacrificing critical thinking.