University Students Voice Concerns Over AI, Social Media Pressures

As the new academic year begins, university and college students across Canada are grappling with a myriad of concerns. Issues such as job prospects after graduation, the pressures of social media, and the implications of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have emerged as significant topics of discussion. These insights come from a recent survey conducted among students at four major post-secondary institutions in Winnipeg.

Clara Sydor, a psychology major at the University of Manitoba, reflects on her academic journey. Initially considering a science-focused path, she found her passion in psychology, ultimately pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in religion. Sydor is enthusiastic about her future but expresses anxiety about the competitive job market. “I’m nervous about not getting a job or not making enough money to sustain living on my own,” she stated. This trepidation is a common sentiment among her peers.

Sydor also highlights the impact of social media on mental health. She notes that young people today face unprecedented body image issues exacerbated by platforms that often promote unrealistic standards. “The pressures of social media to look like you have everything can be overwhelming,” Sydor observes.

While she acknowledges the utility of AI in her studies, she emphasizes the need for caution. “AI should be seen as a tool that requires careful consideration,” she remarked. Sydor advocates for clearer guidelines from universities regarding the acceptable use of AI in academic settings, particularly as many professors are already implementing in-class assignments to mitigate misuse.

Another student, Gunkar Singh, pursuing software development at Red River College, shares a different perspective. He appreciates the potential of AI but is concerned about its impact on job availability in the tech industry. “AI has taken a lot of jobs, and while it can be a helpful resource during assignments, it also creates new challenges,” Singh stated. He aspires to gain experience through co-op internships with major companies like Amazon or Microsoft.

Singh further reflects on the changing educational landscape, noting that today’s students face a heavier workload with more digital assignments compared to previous generations. “We have more quizzes and assignments now, which can be overwhelming,” he explained. He hopes to eventually start his own company, aiming to provide job opportunities for fellow international students.

The pressures of social media and its role in shaping student experiences are echoed by Sania Parvej, also from Red River College. Parvej acknowledges her own struggles with phone addiction but recognizes the importance of balancing online interactions with real-life experiences. “I try not to use social media too often because it’s not really healthy,” she noted.

Parvej, who expresses a desire to enter the field of journalism, is particularly concerned about the implications of AI on her future career. “AI is already affecting us negatively; it can mislead people and spread false information,” she asserted. She has observed an increase in the use of AI tools among her peers, indicating a growing reliance on technology that may hinder critical thinking skills.

As these students navigate their educational journeys, they share a collective hope for a future that balances technological advancements with personal well-being. The anxieties surrounding employment, social media pressures, and the role of AI reflect broader trends impacting young adults today.

In a world where challenges are ever-present, the voices of students like Sydor, Singh, and Parvej provide a glimpse into the realities faced by the next generation. Their experiences underscore the need for supportive structures within educational institutions to help them thrive in an increasingly complex environment.