Experts Blame AI and Social Media Abuse for Decline in Students’ Academic Performance…The growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) and social media is being blamed by experts for the deteriorating academic performance of students.
While both technologies offer valuable tools that can support learning and communication, their excessive use is having a negative impact on students’ cognitive abilities, focus, and overall academic success.
Recent studies have shown that AI, while helpful in streamlining tasks and aiding research, is also contributing to a decline in critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
A study by researchers at the University of Ilorin found that nearly half of the students were heavily dependent on AI tools, and over 60% were observed to use them regularly.
While AI can make certain academic tasks easier, such as writing or information retrieval, experts argue that over-reliance on these technologies deprives students of the opportunity to engage in deeper thinking and independent problem-solving.
Instead of learning how to approach challenges or thinking critically, students are becoming accustomed to using AI as a shortcut, which stunts their academic growth.
The study emphasized that while AI offers efficiency, it also leads to a reduction in intellectual engagement when used excessively.
In addition to AI, the overuse of social media platforms is further compounding the problem.
A study published in the Heliyon journal examined the effects of social media and AI on university students’ academic performance and mental health.
The research concluded that while both technologies can have positive effects, such as providing access to educational resources or improving social connections, their excessive use tends to harm students’ performance.
Social media distractions, in particular, often lead to decreased focus during study time and a lack of commitment to academic responsibilities.
Many students spend countless hours on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, which not only reduce the time spent on studies but also contribute to a decline in students’ attention spans and the quality of their academic work.
The impact of technology on students’ learning outcomes has also been noted by educators across the globe.
In the UK, one teacher resigned after noticing a severe decline in students’ literacy and cognitive abilities, a result, she claims, of their reliance on AI-generated content.
She pointed out that many students were submitting essays written by AI tools, and as a result, they were not engaging with the learning process in a meaningful way.
This trend of substituting genuine learning with automated content has left students unable to think critically or express their own ideas clearly.
The teacher’s resignation serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of over-reliance on technology in the classroom.
It underscores the need for balance and moderation when it comes to integrating technology into education.
With these findings in mind, experts are urging educational institutions to take a more cautious approach when incorporating AI and social media into learning environments.
They stress the importance of using technology as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, traditional learning methods.
There is a growing call for policies that guide the responsible use of these tools, ensuring that students are not only using them efficiently but are also developing essential cognitive skills that will help them in the future.
By fostering an environment where students are encouraged to think critically, collaborate, and engage in problem-solving without over-relying on AI, schools and universities can help mitigate the negative effects of these technologies.
Furthermore, educators are being urged to provide more support and guidance to students, helping them navigate the complexities of technology in a way that enhances rather than diminishes their learning.
This includes teaching students how to use AI responsibly, while also encouraging them to engage in activities that develop their intellectual capacities, such as reading, writing, and independent research.
READ MORE: Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price by N15 Across Nigeria
Only by striking a balance between the benefits of technology and the need for traditional learning can students be prepared for the future without sacrificing their academic development.
As AI and social media continue to evolve, it is clear that their impact on education is profound.
While these technologies offer incredible advantages, their unchecked use poses a serious threat to students’ ability to learn, think critically, and succeed academically.
The challenge lies in finding a way to harness the power of technology while ensuring that students retain the necessary skills and abilities to thrive in a competitive world.
Without such a balance, the future of education may face even greater challenges.
