Social Media, AI and Students

Digitalization has advanced significantly and is deeply ingrained in our daily lives. While the advantages and disadvantages of the digital world are widely known, many users fail to grasp their full impact.

One of the most powerful tools of the digital era is social media. Its influence has surged in just a few years, compelling many to keep up with its rapid evolution. Social media has the power to build or destroy lives—some have benefited from it, while others have suffered due to its misuse.

In this age of media dominance, students are particularly affected—sometimes positively but more often negatively. They are among the most active social media users, with some admitting to using it until their daily data is exhausted. Others acknowledge using it to indulge in fantasies, which has led to undesirable behaviors, declining academic performance, and a weakened spiritual life as more time is spent online rather than in meaningful real-world interactions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has also significantly influenced students’ learning habits. Many now rely less on books and other study materials, turning instead to AI for instant information. AI undoubtedly simplifies learning, providing answers at the click of a button, and many assume it to be the ultimate resource.

Christian students, in particular, have admitted to using AI as a tool for studying the Scriptures rather than engaging directly with the Bible. This shift has diminished personal meditation and deep interaction with the Word—foundations essential for spiritual growth.

Furthermore, AI has contributed to reduced creativity, academic dishonesty, and superficial learning—where students passively consume AI-generated content without deep engagement. AI has also been known to produce biased or inaccurate information, weakening students’ writing skills by limiting personal development.

In an interaction with an AI tool, when asked if humans should rely on AI for conclusive notes, the AI itself acknowledged that it cannot be fully trusted. It also admitted that its sources require verification before being accepted as reliable. AI’s purpose, according to the tool, is to "enhance productivity," not to replace human reasoning and creativity.

While AI is a remarkable technological advancement, it poses a danger if it replaces our ability to think critically and create. Likewise, social media, if used unwisely, can distort our lifestyles—affecting how we communicate, think, and interact with others. If not managed carefully, these digital tools can compromise our originality and uniqueness.

In this age of smart digitalization, we must train ourselves to be smarter – even smarter than AI. When using AI, we should be aware of its limitations and ensure it does not replace our creativity and intelligence.

Social media has also fostered unrealistic expectations and fantasies. Many relationships have suffered due to the unrealistic portrayals of life on these platforms. Young people, in particular, are drawn into harmful distractions such as excessive gaming, pornography, and compulsive online shopping. These habits have led to a decline in proper social interactions, resulting in inappropriate behaviors in real-life engagements.

AI should be used as a tool to enhance productivity, not to replace our creativity, emotions, and intelligence. Likewise, social media should serve as a means to connect with the world without disrupting our real-life relationships. While these technologies offer benefits, excessive use can have damaging consequences.

In conclusion, we must be responsible in our engagement with AI and social media. As learners, it is crucial to develop and preserve our God-given creativity, intelligence, and emotions rather than becoming overly dependent on artificial intelligence and digital influences. Be who God created you to be—unique and true to yourself.