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Post by Renisha Jerine
Imagine a teen sitting at her desk and staring at an impossible algebra problem. Instead of waiting until class the next day or calling a friend, she types the question into an artificial intelligence (AI) tool. Within seconds, she has an explanation written in simple steps. She feels relieved that her “study buddy” has returned. This scene is becoming increasingly common. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, adaptive learning apps, and personalized tutoring bots are entering the everyday lives of students. Some people believe these tools are the perfect partner because they are always available, patient, and never critical. But as educators and psychologists, we have to ask: What does it mean when a machine becomes a study companion? Are students using AI to learn, or are they simply offloading their work onto it?
The Motivation Factor
When AI is used as a study partner, it affects motivation. Students who might otherwise give up on a challenging task now have instant access to support. This can build confidence and reduce the frustration that often leads to avoidance. For students with learning differences or limited access to tutoring, AI can serve as a lifeline, leveling the playing field.
However, there is also a downside to relying on AI for study support. If every challenge can be solved quickly by asking AI, students may lose the opportunity to wrestle with struggle, which is an essential part of learning. Educational psychology has long emphasized the “productive struggle,” where students push through difficulty and deepen their understanding. This process could be sped up if too much reliance is placed on AI.
Shallow Learning vs. Deep Understanding
AI explanations can be both helpful and potentially limiting. On one hand, AI can provide step-by-step guidance and reframe problems in ways that match a student’s learning style, making challenging tasks more manageable. On the other hand, when answers are delivered too quickly, students may rely on them and only gain a superficial understanding, missing out on the deeper learning that comes from working through difficulties on their own.
Think about the difference between just reading an answer from AI and actually figuring it out yourself. When students only look at AI-generated explanations, they might feel like they understand something, but they are often just familiar with the answer rather than truly learning it. Working through problems on their own helps students really grasp the concepts and remember them better.
The Social-Emotional Dimension
Surprisingly, many students describe how they interact with AI in unexpectedly human terms. Some say, “It feels like my tutor,” or “It’s like a friend who helps me study.” This anthropomorphizing reflects our natural desire for connection, even when dealing with digital agents. This sense of companionship may help alleviate feelings of isolation, but it also raises concerns regarding social learning. Traditional classrooms are not just about content delivery—they’re social ecosystems where students negotiate meaning, share perspectives, and develop collaboration skills. If a student increasingly turns to AI instead of peers or teachers, what happens to those social-emotional learning opportunities?
Educational Psychology Insights
The rise of AI “study buddies” means we need to think carefully about how students learn. Learning well isn’t just about getting the right answer—it also involves setting goals, checking how you’re doing, and thinking about what worked and what didn’t. AI can help by giving instant feedback, but if children rely on it too much, they might skip these important steps and miss out on learning how to manage their own progress.
Learning is about actively acquiring knowledge, not passively receiving it. AI can serve as scaffolding—helping students reach higher levels of understanding—but it must be used as a partner, not a replacement for thinking.
A Balanced Approach
So, what can educators and parents do? Here are a few practical approaches:
- Encourage critical use: Remind students to ask why an AI solution works, not just accept the answer.
- Blend human and AI support: Pair AI explanations with discussions in class or with peers.
- Promote reflection: Have students write in their own words what they learned, ensuring they move from copying to understanding.
- Teach digital literacy: Students need guidance in evaluating when AI is helpful—and when it might hinder authentic learning.
Looking Ahead
AI is here to stay in the learning landscape. The question is not whether students will use it, but how they will integrate it into their academic lives. If guided thoughtfully, AI can become a valuable companion that empowers rather than replaces learning.
When AI becomes the study buddy, it opens both promise and peril. The challenge for educators, psychologists, and parents is to ensure that students don’t just learn with AI, but learn from it, growing into independent thinkers who can carry their knowledge beyond the screen.
