Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly common in everyday life. It helps search engines suggest results, translates languages, and powers chatbots that can hold conversations with users. There is lots of discussion about it at the moment. Often teachers encourage the use of AI. But why could this be bad?
AI has many advantages. It’s useful in scouring the Internet quickly and narrowing down what you’re searching for without you reading many articles. It helps do large calculations fast and can provide aid when homework is left to the last minute. Large companies use artificial intelligence to assist with research projects, analyse data to reveal trends and patterns, and in the case of NASA to develop systems capable of supporting spacecraft and aircraft autonomously. Furthermore, chatbots that can almost mimic human emotion have been created for many people to use.
So, if AI is so good, why is there so much controversy surrounding it? Why is this such a debated topic as of late?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as analysing information, solving problems, or recognising patterns. Throughout history, man has sought after creating intelligent machines – robots that are smarter than humans are the subject of many films and books. But, with the large advancements that are being made with AI, many job roles that humans used to fill are being replaced. People are losing their jobs and their livelihoods to artificial intelligence. This is already having an impact, and, as AI develops further, more jobs may be taken over, having huge repercussions for the younger generations that are preparing to go into the world of work.
Artificial intelligence also has vast effects on the environment. It consumes substantial amounts of energy, leading to an enormous carbon footprint. AI data centres also utilise copious amounts of water. According to a 2025 article published on the UK Government’s Sustainable ICT blog, AI is predicted to have an increase in global water usage from 1.1bn to 6.6bn cubic metres by 2027. This is the same as more than half the UK’s total water usage.
This water is used in three different ways:
- at data centres to keep computers cooled,
- for electricity generators (not directly at data centres),
- making the hardware the AI runs on (such as the servers).
This is unsustainable for the environment, as the water consumed by these generators is not easily recyclable, as it becomes contaminated with chemicals.
Some people argue that AI can limit human creativity by making it too easy to generate ideas without much effort. When individuals rely heavily on AI tools to think, write, or create for them, they may lose the ability to problem-solve independently. Over time, this dependence could weaken critical thinking skills and reduce the imagination needed to develop original thoughts or solutions.
AI often gathers information from across the internet without truly checking whether the sources are accurate, which can make its responses unreliable. Because it does not inherently fact-check, AI can repeat outdated, incorrect, or misleading information, especially if that information appears frequently online. This lack of certainty means users must be cautious and verify AI-generated content themselves, as relying on it too heavily can lead to misunderstandings or the spread of false facts.
In conclusion, AI has many useful applications and will likely continue to play a bigger role in everyday life. However, it is important to remember that it is only a tool. People should still question information, check facts from reliable sources, and use their own judgement rather than believing everything AI produces.
