Discussion Board Posts & AI
Are we all turning into bots?
Let’s talk about it: you’re scrolling through your online class discussion boards, sipping your coffee, and boom—every post sounds eerily similar. It’s like they’re all coming from the same person—or, plot twist, a robot! Yep, we’re talking about ChatGPT, the AI bestie that’s sneaking into academia, turning those dreaded discussion boards into something… well, robotic.
ChatGPT: The New Classmate You Didn’t Ask For
If you’ve noticed discussion posts sounding too polished, too vague, or just off, ChatGPT might be the culprit. With its ability to generate responses in minutes, more students are leaning on AI to churn out posts without breaking a sweat. For students juggling school, work, and life, it feels like the ultimate academic cheat code. But, girl, let’s get real. ChatGPT may give you a neat response, but it’s missing that human spark—the kind that drives real conversation and connection.
One student shared their frustration with a classmate clearly using ChatGPT, crafting posts full of fancy words and unrelated citations. They wanted to call them out—ask them to clarify their points or provide real thoughts—but hesitated. Would asking a simple question make them the bad guy, or would it help expose AI laziness? And that’s the question many students and professors are wrestling with. After all, should we out those who let AI do all the talking?
AI: Helpful or Just Straight-Up Lazy?
Let’s be honest—using ChatGPT can feel like a shortcut, but shortcuts only get you so far. Sure, it’ll give you a coherent post, but without real critical thinking, what’s the point? The frustration comes when students who genuinely engage with the material watch others seemingly skate by on robotic responses. It makes you wonder: are they learning anything, or just checking boxes?
One student’s dilemma illustrates this perfectly—they’re stuck between wanting to call out their AI-using classmate and just letting it slide. On one hand, calling attention to their classmate’s vague responses might push them to engage more thoughtfully. On the other hand, is it even worth the hassle? Some argue that holding each other accountable is part of the educational experience, while others suggest letting the professor handle it. The real tea? Sometimes, you just have to decide what’s best for your own mental peace.
Plot Twist: Professors Are Using AI Too!
It’s not just students jumping on the AI bandwagon—some professors are guilty of using AI for grading and feedback too. Imagine working hard on a discussion post only to get back feedback that’s just as robotic as the AI-generated posts you’re calling out. When educators start relying on AI to deliver feedback, it becomes a vicious cycle of disengagement. Students can sense when feedback is impersonal, and that only deepens the sense of disconnect in online learning.
But here’s the thing: professors aren’t always clued into the fact that AI is being used in these discussion boards. The rise of AI-driven posts is a new challenge, and some educators are still catching up. Professors don’t always notice or have time to call out every AI-generated post. So while it’s tempting to let AI do the talking, it’s a short-term solution that won’t help students in the long run.
The Ethical Dilemma: Should You Call Out Your Classmates?
We’ve all been there—reading through a discussion post that’s too perfect, too vague, or full of “fancy words” that just don’t seem right. You know it’s AI-generated, but do you call it out? One student asked whether they’d be wrong to passively call attention to their classmate’s ChatGPT use by asking clarifying questions. It’s a tricky situation. On one hand, you want to protect the integrity of the class. On the other, it’s not your job to police your peers.
The consensus? It’s totally okay to engage in the discussion by asking questions, but don’t go full detective mode. If a classmate’s post feels vague or robotic, asking them to clarify or explain their sources isn’t just about outing them—it’s about encouraging genuine engagement. After all, isn’t that what these discussion boards are supposed to be for?
The Future of Discussion Boards: Where Do We Go From Here?
AI is clearly here to stay, but that doesn’t mean we should give up on real engagement. Sure, it’s tempting to let ChatGPT handle the busywork of discussion posts, but that robs us of the chance to genuinely learn and connect. The purpose of education is to develop critical thinking skills, and relying on AI to do the heavy lifting won’t prepare anyone for the real world.
For students dealing with AI-generated responses from their peers, the best move might be to focus on your learning. If someone’s using ChatGPT, it’s likely their laziness will catch up with them eventually—whether through poor grades on exams or missed opportunities for real understanding.
Bottom Line: Authentic Learning Over AI Convenience
Let’s face it: ChatGPT is cool, but it’s not a substitute for the real you. AI might help you get through class, but it can’t replace the value of showing up and engaging with the material. Whether you’re a student tired of AI-driven posts or a professor struggling to keep up, it’s important to remember that education is about more than just ticking boxes. It’s about learning, growing, and developing skills that will serve you far beyond the classroom.
So next time you’re tempted to let ChatGPT do the talking, remember this: real growth happens when you put in the work. No AI can replicate the magic of authentic, human interaction.
You’ve got this! ✨