Is AI Usage Linked to Anti-Intellectualism?

With the use of artificial intelligence (AI) being integrated into almost every aspect of our lives, the academic sphere is experiencing a major shift in how it functions. As teachers use AI in class to help grade and create lesson plans, students are using it to help with (and sometimes do) their homework. However, this “blessing” may be a curse in disguise.

Western Michigan University says that “the use of generative AI might lead to a decline in writing and critical thinking skills due to over-reliance on automated tools.” 

In recent years, students have relied on AI to pass their classes rather than using critical thinking to produce authentic work. In 2024, researcher Eka Fatmawati Hading said that AI usage can “diminish learners' critical engagement with content,” and therefore leads to a detrimental impact on students’ academic performance.

This dependency is what leads to what’s called anti-intellectualism, which Fordham Political Review defines as “a mistrust and rejection of modern intellect, knowledge, and academia.” Anti-intellectualism pushes the mindset that education and science is dangerous and therefore condemns critical thinking and knowledge.

We interviewed Joseph Pizzo, who teaches at both Centenary University and Black River Middle School, about the impact that AI has had on students in the classroom. With his 51 years of teaching experience, Pizzo has dedicated his life to informing and inspiring young minds on the importance of language, composition, and education. He has seen the evolution of American education with his own eyes through the decades, and has a lot to say on the current state of schooling and AI usage.

How long have you been teaching? What grades?

I am in my 51st year of teaching, mostly seventh grade, at the Black River Middle School in Chester, NJ. Since 1992, I have served as an adjunct professor in five different departments at Centenary University. I taught writing at Union County College for 20 years. I also taught in an alternate teacher preparation graduate program at the College of Saint Elizabeth.

How has AI’s usage affected student’s ability to learn?        

In this section, Pizzo refers to LLM, which is short for “large language model.” The University of Arizona says that LLMs are “a type of artificial intelligence that can generate human language and perform related tasks.” 

A study conducted by researchers representing MIT, Wellesley, and Massachusetts College of Art and Design concluded the following concerning the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) by students authoring essays. It was noted that “While these LLM tools offer unprecedented opportunities for enhancing learning and information access, their potential impact on cognitive development, critical thinking, and intellectual independence demands careful consideration and continued research. 

The use of LLMs highlights a concerning evolution of the 'echo chamber' effect: rather than disappearing, it has adapted to shape user exposure through algorithmically curated content. What is ranked as ‘top’ is ultimately influenced by the priorities of the LLM's shareholders.” Furthermore, “participants who were in the Brain-only group reported higher satisfaction and demonstrated higher brain connectivity, compared to other groups. Essays written with the help of LLM carried a lesser significance or value to the participants as they spent less time on writing and mostly failed to provide a quote from theis (sic) essays.” 

What is anti-intellectualism?

The definition of this concept seems to place simple, pedestrian knowledge as being more relevant than theoretical, scholarly knowledge. It is a movement that is often used by those seeking power as they challenge research, knowledge, and reliance on historically proven practice and procedure. 

Isaac Asimov captured the essence of this movement away from academia when he stated, “There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that ‘my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.’" Also, there are no simple answers to complex questions. Knowledge requires effort and careful thought. It cannot be acquired through a download.

Have you noticed a decline in student's engagement in the classroom in recent years? 

Today’s students were raised with electronics being commonplace at home as well as school. Often, web searches were held in classes to assist students in locating a variety of resources and information. However, when the search finds material that is neither created nor vetted by the user, the possibility of a reliance on the work of the AI engine often leads to a blind acceptance of “spoon-fed” products and materials. Convenience must never replace creativity and critical thinking. 

Do you feel AI is a beneficial tool to use in the classroom?

AI works best in the classroom when it is used as a supplementary search engine, initial idea generator, or critic for a piece already created. The author of a written piece or original work of art can neither discover nor develop an original voice, style, and perspective. Surrendering to the algorithmic generations from AI should not be considered. It steals from the user both the essence and the satisfaction of learning. 

To what extent does AI aid in anti-intellectualism? 

AI, too often, is used to provide convenience with a single, mathematically-generated product. Students are also robbing themselves of the opportunity to hone their skills, strengthen and possibly challenge their beliefs and perspectives, and experience the satisfaction of creating their original product. Colloquially, AI works best as an academic coach rather than a “hired hand.”  

How do you enforce student engagement and thought in your classroom?

I have my students write daily. The brain is a muscle, and it must be exercised daily in a way that challenges and rewards, rather than simply provides ease and comfort. The satisfaction of finding new ways to see things not only affects perspective but also provides an avenue for growth through challenges.

While the impacts of AI are still being uncovered, Pizzo says there is hope for the future. 

What advice do you have for upcoming and current teachers combating the attack on anti-intellectualism in education? 

Consider Helen Keller’s perspective when she shared that "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved." 

Think about Maya Angelou’s words when she said that “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeated, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it." 

Finally, follow the advice of Albert Einstein, who believed that “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”

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To read more about Pizzo and his thoughts on reading, check out our News article from January 21, 2025 on his Under the Golden Dome Lecture.