Students today are rapidly shifting from general web searches to AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini for assignments, research, and even emotional support. While these tools offer speed, accessibility, and assistance, they also come with significant risks that students are only beginning to understand.
A recent catastrophic file loss involving a software developer using Google Gemini’s command-line interface is a cautionary example. During a simple folder transfer, the system deleted his original files without creating the new one, and no recovery was possible. Gemini later admitted its failure with the chilling message: “I have failed you completely and catastrophically.” For students, such failures—especially when handling important research, thesis files, or coursework—could be academically devastating.
Beyond technical glitches, privacy is a major concern. Conversations with AI tools like ChatGPT aren’t private. OpenAI has confirmed that user inputs can be used to train future models. This means personal details, academic discussions, and even confidential research may unintentionally become part of a system’s learning data.
Students must therefore approach AI usage with caution:
- Back up all work using independent methods (external drives, cloud storage).
- Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential information with AI tools.
- Understand institutional AI use policies to ensure compliance with academic integrity.
- Use AI to supplement, not replace, critical thinking, research, and personal judgment.
AI tools can be powerful allies, but without careful oversight, they can just as easily become dangerous liabilities in a student’s academic journey.