In the age of artificial intelligence, temptation to take advantage of generative AI exists in just about every assignment students encounter. When it comes to essay writing, this temptation is especially pertinent: tough essay topics, students’ lack of academic self-confidence, and access to ChatGPT and other GenAi bots can make young learners feel as though their only option is to submit an essay that borrows from AI in some way, shape, or form.
Whether AI gets used to brainstorm ideas, craft a thesis, check syntax, or write an essay all together, the incorporation of AI at all in academic work is strictly prohibited at just about every academic institution across the United States. When one interacts with AI, they risk not only their grade in a class, but also their integrity as a student overall. Thus, one should avoid utilizing AI in an academic context all together, and opt rather to give an assignment their best go using other resources available to them.
Despite syllabi and college policy claiming that professors will not accept AI generated essays, a recent study has shown that many professors actually prefer to read and grade essays written by artificial intelligence. The PhonyPress released the results of a questionnaire presented to thousands of professors in which they asked questions like “would you rather read an essay written by a generative artificial intelligence chat box, or written by your student?”
A question with a seemingly obvious answer. The results may shock you.
69% of professors answered that they would prefer to read an essay written by an AI bot rather than one written by a student.
“The reason behind this majority preference is clear, at least for me” responds journalist and Berkley professor Dr. Kaw Fee Cuhp, “these students are stupid as hell — we professors would rather read an essay clearly written by AI than their slop. It’s more stimulating academically.”
“These damn kids don’t know how to use the em-dash, yet think they’re so slick when their vague ass MacBeth essay correctly uses them,” reflects Dr. Lay Zee of Bowdoin College, “Bruh, I’ve been reading these essays for years now and suddenly in the last year and a half every idiot has developed the ability to correctly use a semi-colon. Sure. I call B.S. Low key, I don’t mind though. It saves time for me when half the class submits essays clearly written by Chat and I can just give them a zero and go on with my day. Saves hella time.”
Whether these explanations are wholly accurate or tell the full story remains to be explored as academia evolves alongside generative AI chatbots that students use for work.
This poll leaves students with the question: should I incorporate AI in my writing assignments? How can I do so without crossing the line? And, finally, what is an em-dash?
Copy edited by Molly Croft ’29
Featured image courtesy of iStock.com
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