Use of artificial intelligence sparks debate over ethics and originality

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As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly accessible and advanced, the public remains

divided on whether AI is a helpful tool or a shortcut that undermines genuine effort. AI tools

ranging from content generators to AI chatbots are now being used in healthcare, education,

workplaces, media, and everyday decision-making, forcing institutions and individuals to

confront questions about originality, ethics, and the future role of human intelligence.

According to Michigan Technological University, artificial intelligence encompasses the fields of computer and data science, focused on building machines with human intelligence to perform tasks like learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. As AI continues to grow rapidly into daily lives, opinions on this subject differ: some users see it as a great tool supporting productivity and learning, while others see it as a threat to accountability

and authenticity . One supporter, Ny’kerica Thrower, a public relations student, believes that if you use it

responsibly, it makes all the difference. “I don’t see the problem with AI. I think that when you use it for the right reasons, such as generating ideas and assisting with your work, it is fine. You just have to use it responsibly,” she said.

Understanding the complexities of AI and the way people think of it is another thing. Research from the Pew Research Center highlights that more Americans say AI has been made a smaller deal than it really is (36%) than say it’s been made a bigger deal (21%). Another 36% say it has

been described as about right. Overall, however, Americans are still more worried about how AI will make it harder for humans to complete tasks independently than they are about the opportunities that could be lost if it isn't used.

“I don’t necessarily disagree with AI, but I do feel like it's taking over people's minds by not

letting them actually do their work,” said Jaydan Harley, a journalism student. “People are

definitely using it for the wrong reason, which I don’t agree with.”

Employers and educators are now weighing in on the benefits against the risks. Some companies like CenturyTech and Carnegie Learning use AI to personalize student tutorials, while

universities such as , such as Stanford and Carnegie Mellon incorporate AI into research and

curriculum to prepare students for a tech-driven future.

Despite the growing concerns of AI, many acknowledge that it isn’t going anywhere. As

technology continues to evolve, so does the debate over how AI should be used, what counts as responsible engagement, and where limits should be set.

Whether AI is viewed as a shortcut or as a powerful assistant, AI has undeniably reshaped how people work, think, and create in the modern era.