Despite hefty investments by American universities in artificial intelligence technology, public sentiment reflects a growing distrust of its integration into the educational process.
Overview of AI Implementation in Universities
Since 2023, American universities have actively begun implementing AI technologies. The University of Georgia pioneered the general rollout of Microsoft Copilot across the campus and a recognized award for innovation in AI pedagogy. Michigan developed its own tools, and Arizona State University officially partners with OpenAI. However, public opinion remains cautious. According to the "Varying Degrees 2024" study, 53% of Americans believe that the use of AI by students negatively impacts their learning.
Skepticism of Generation Z
The educational parameters show that even Generation Z, which grew up surrounded by technology, is skeptical about AI. Only 19% of 17-18-year-olds believe that AI improves university learning. 54% of respondents view its impact negatively when used by teachers, indicating deeper concerns about the significance of degrees.
Influence of Opinion on Degree Value
While 73% of Americans still believe that higher education offers a good return on investment, 40% fear that AI devalues degrees. This leads to questions about whether AI threatens the human aspect of education. A study by Northwestern University in collaboration with the Hertie Institute showed that 13.5% of biomedical publications already utilize AI, raising doubts about transparency and academic integrity.
Artificial intelligence attracts both interest and concern on American campuses. Its implementation is advancing rapidly, yet public trust in these technologies takes time to build. The issue touches not just upon technology, but also culture, politics, and trust in knowledge.
