Opinion: If students rely on AI completely, there will not be any hard work, they won't actually “learn”.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming classrooms. Tools like ChatGPT’s “study mode” promise to help students learn faster and improve academic performance. However, experts say that AI is not a magic solution, real learning requires effort, and students risk missing out on critical cognitive development if they rely too heavily on technology. Cognitive psychologists explain that the brain works in two main ways: a fast, intuitive system and a slower, deliberate system. The slower system requires focus, problem-solving, and mental effort which is crucial for mastering skills and retaining knowledge. If AI completes tasks for students, it removes this mental workout. Over time, students may become dependent on AI and start struggling with long-term understanding and critical thinking. This will also make students lazy. There is a real risk of what psychologists call “metacognitive laziness”, where students believe they are learning more than they actually are.

Yet AI has a lot of  potential when used correctly. It can act as a personal tutor that gives guidance, feedback, and support tailored to each student’s needs. For example, AI can pose questions, provide hints, or help students organize their ideas without giving away the answers. This allows students to engage actively with the material, strengthen their cognitive skills, and build confidence. This is called responsible AI usage, and that can be challenging for students. 

Educators can guide students to see AI as a tool for support, not a replacement for effort.  

Early research shows mixed results. Some studies highlight benefits, such as improved essay quality or faster problem-solving. Others show that students who rely too much on AI can develop weaker reasoning skills and reduced brain connectivity. The evidence suggests that AI is a double-edged sword: a tool that can enhance learning if used wisely, but a crutch if overused. Ultimately, the future of AI in education depends on context and how it is integrated into learning. There must be a careful balance: leveraging AI for guidance, efficiency, and personalized support while maintaining the effort, struggle, and mental engagement that truly grows the mind. When used thoughtfully, AI can enhance education but it can never replace the hard work that makes learning meaningful.