The article explores the impact of generative AI on the experiences of Harvard undergraduates. The study reveals that nearly 90% of students use generative AI, with 25% of these students using it as a substitute for attending office hours and completing required readings. However, there are concerns, with half of the students worried about AI negatively affecting their job prospects and over half wishing for more classes on AI's future impacts. The study also uncovers concerns about AI's broader social implications, with 50% of students worried about AI increasing economic inequality and 40% viewing AI's extinction risk as a global priority.
The study also reveals that around half of the students who have taken an AI class expect AI to surpass human capabilities on almost all tasks within the next 30 years. In light of these findings, the authors recommend that the Harvard community take certain actions, although these specific recommendations are not detailed in the provided excerpt.
Key takeaways:
Almost 90% of Harvard undergraduates use generative AI, with 25% using it as a substitute for attending office hours and completing required readings.
Half of the students are concerned that AI will negatively impact their job prospects, and over half wish for more classes on the future impacts of AI.
50% of students are worried that AI will increase economic inequality, and 40% believe that extinction risk from AI should be treated as a global priority.
About half of the students who have taken an AI class expect AI to exceed human capabilities on almost all tasks within 30 years.
