Artificial intelligence (AI) is a tool that is rapidly working its way to becoming commonplace in society. Whether used at a small scale on a browser to answer a person’s questions about class or on a larger scale to generate whole TV commercials, the use of AI often does not garner the shock reaction from people that it would have 10 years ago. However, like all technological advancements, the public has differing opinions on whether AI usage is mainly a positive thing for society or a negative one. Students at Keene State gave their opinions on whether or not they approve of AI and how often they use it themselves.
“I’m personally against AI being used to generate any sort of writing or illustration or anything along that vein. That’s not what it should be used for; it should be used for things that are necessary,” sophomore Jackson said.
“I’m also against AI being used in such a way, I believe it has better uses like helping scientists,” Jackson’s tablemate and fellow sophomore Evren said.
“I have seen it be used to automate processes, though, and I think that is a way of using it for good,” Jackson continued.
“I’ve seen it be used to diagnose people and categorize proteins for diseases; that’s another way it can be positive,” Evren elaborated.
“I think AI is a useful tool,” senior Sage Labbe said. “I think the majority of issues that arise with it are from people misusing it who don’t want to learn or gain something from it. I’ve had professors in the past who have used it to perfect quizzes and class materials, and I think it can be very useful in cutting out tedious work for people who already have a full understanding of the subject they’re using it in. It’s a good way to tweak inaccuracies.”
“AI’s been around longer than people think it has,” first-year Quinne Richard said. “I think it does become a problem when it’s used to mimic things. As a music student, I have big opinions about it being used in the field of the arts. There are so many ways people can create art even if it’s hard, they shouldn’t need AI to make stuff that people have already created that they think is new.”
“With that being said, it can be helpful,” Richard continued. “Before it was so big on consuming water I used it to help me organize lists of tasks. It helped me in that way.”
While some students were eager to point out the various issues that make AI controversial, others are in full support of it.
“I like it, I use it,” first-year Justin Bagdasarian said. “I like it for its versatility.”
“I use it,” first-year Sydney Cassidy echoed. Bella Mitchell, Cassidy’s tablemate and another first-year said the same.
“I use it pretty often. I have a sort of love-hate relationship with it,” first-year Charlotte Buckley said. “I think it can overdo work and become toxic, especially for people going after a degree or trying to get a job post-grad.”
Some students have a negative view of AI in its entirety. “F*** it,” first-year Quinn said when asked how she feels about the use of AI. “It destroys the environment, it’s an ethically and politically bad choice and it absolutely should not be used in artistic spaces. I’ve seen a lot recently about how using it is supporting the Trump administration. People should learn to do their own work even if it’s stressful. People have been doing it for years and years; it is a naturally human thing. A mere regurgitation of human existence should not be taking over actual human existence.”
Quinn’s tablemate, Logan, another first-year, shared a similar opinion. “I’m an environmental studies major, so my primary concern is protecting the environment. AI is horrible for the environment, so I can’t stand by it.”
With so many contrasting views, it is difficult to define a unified stance on AI at Keene State. However, with its ever-expanding development, it is certain that AI will continue to be a heavy topic of conversation on campus.
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