Students at the Homestead Collaborative College High School (CCHS) took on one of today’s biggest questions during a recent seminar on artificial intelligence (AI): Is artificial intelligence helping people move forward, or quietly changing how they think, learn and create? 

After exploring several podcasts, articles, videos and documentaries, students shared their thoughts in an open discussion that revealed both their excitement and concern about how quickly AI is advancing and how it is already showing up in everyday life.

Most students said their understanding of artificial intelligence was fairly limited before exploring the materials. Many were familiar with AI through sports analytics, social media algorithms, podcasts or online tools, but few had thought deeply about its role in education/creative fields. As the discussion went on, multiple students said they hadn’t realized how powerful and far-reaching AI could be, and many said that the material made the issue feel more real and, for many, more unsettling.

Some students also explained how their opinions have changed as they learned more about artificial intelligence. Lucas said he once believed people would recognize the dangers of AI and eventually “slow its growth,” but now he worries that AI’s convenience will outweigh people’s caution.

Elijah said that while learning about AI’s capabilities helped him see some benefits, it ultimately made him more concerned about the future, saying he thinks AI will “screw us over,” especially in the creative field. 

These reactions reflected a common feeling in the room: that once AI is widely available, it may be difficult to control how it is used.

One of the main concerns raised during the seminar was how AI will affect students’ ability to learn. Several students argued that relying too heavily on AI could weaken critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Lucas pointed to examples in which students who used AI to complete assignments showed lower engagement with the material. 

Others emphasized that struggling through difficult subjects helps build discipline and confidence, and explained that letting AI do the work could take away that sense of accomplishment. 

Lydia put it simply: “Doing work that you might not like teaches a life skill.” Students were concerned that relying heavily on AI not only takes away a sense of achievement, but also takes away an essential life skill.

Not everyone thought AI’s role in education was entirely negative. Freddie compared AI to a calculator, saying, “You learn basic multiplication, addition, etc., and once you’re competent, your teacher hands you a calculator. So you can learn a basic skill, but then have a tool to help you.” 

Brice agreed, saying the human desire to learn is “deeply rooted. It is literally biologically within us; it’s in our DNA,” and he believes humans’ desire for knowledge is unlikely to disappear because of artificial intelligence. Both students acknowledged that AI is not currently being used responsibly, but they suggested it could support learning if used in the right way.

The topic that sparked the strongest reactions was AI’s use in creative fields. Many students expressed their concern that generative AI pulls from existing artwork without permission, putting artists at risk. Natalie explained that she knows AI is already taking opportunities away from people pursuing art careers. 

Others, including David, made a distinction between AI that helps, in areas like science or medicine, and generative AI used for art, saying support for one does not necessarily mean support for the other.

Beyond creative fields, students also questioned how artificial intelligence could change the purpose of education itself. Addie explained that education helps people discover their strengths and learn how to apply them in different areas. They worried that if AI replaces that process, students may never realize what skills they have or how those abilities could shape their futures.

Others pointed out that school is one of the few times when students can struggle and grow without long-term consequences. Several students agreed that while new skills can be learned later in life, it becomes much harder once someone is already in a career. As one student noted, artificial intelligence in education is concerning because “you don’t know what you’re missing until it’s gone.”

Jack Comstock, an administrator who was invited to the seminar, encouraged students to think beyond whether AI provides correct answers and instead focus on what is lost when humans stop grappling with hard questions. While AI could easily generate intelligent responses, he argued that it can’t replace the human process of forming values and shared meaning. 

The conversation also expanded to include the future of work and society. With AI beginning to replace entry-level jobs, students questioned what paths into employment will look like and whether current systems can keep up with such rapid change in technology. 

Students were asked to imagine how artificial intelligence might shape their lives over the next five years. One student shared their concern for younger generations, saying that their younger sibling may grow up with AI constantly available as a shortcut for learning. They worried that future students might rely on AI without developing the skills to think through problems on their own.

  This final reflection highlights a theme that echoed throughout the entire discussion—that artificial intelligence is not only changing how students learn, but challenging educators and students to decide what learning should mean in the first place. 

By the end of the seminar, there was no clear agreement on whether AI will ultimately help or harm society, but most students agreed it will play a major role in the future. The discussion showed that while artificial intelligence can offer powerful tools and opportunities, it also raises questions about learning, creativity and responsibility—questions that students at CCHS are already beginning to think about.

Mira Comstock, 14, is a student at the Homestead School’s Collaborative College High School.