A study in South Korea found that students with 'dark triad' personalities, such as those exhibiting psychopathy and narcissism, are misusing AI tools to take shortcuts in their studies. They are using tools like ChatGPT to generate assignments and presenting them as their own.
AI: Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed our world, and it is now becoming part of new experiments in the field of education. But is AI just a tool for learning, or has it become a new way to take 'shortcuts'? Researchers in South Korea recently conducted an in-depth study on this serious question, and the results are not only shocking but also raise serious questions about the ethics of education.
What does the study published in BMC Psychology say?
This study was published in the prestigious journal BMC Psychology and included over 500 art students from China. The research aimed to determine which mental and social factors cause students to misuse AI. The results revealed that students with 'dark triad' personality traits – those who exhibit psychopathy, narcissism, and manipulative thinking – are using AI as a shortcut.
Why is AI being misused in artistic education?
The research included students from six universities related to art – such as students of painting, music, theater, and dance. It was observed that those students who consider themselves the most special or are skilled at deceiving others have used AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney to create their assignments and projects and presented them as their original creations. This is not only academic dishonesty but also demonstrates how the misuse of technology is linked to students' mental attitudes.
Procrastination and performance pressure also a reason
The research also found that students who had a habit of procrastination, or who were under excessive stress regarding grades and results, were also misusing AI. When time is short, there is no desire to work hard, and stress is high – then AI becomes an easy, instant solution tool for them.
Desire for fame and rewards also a reason
Another significant aspect of this study was that students whose motivation was only rewards, recognition, or material success were found to use AI as a shortcut the most. This suggests that a results-oriented mindset is prevailing among students rather than ethical values.
'Dark Triad' Personality: A Deep Relationship with the Misuse of AI
The study analyzed the mental tendencies of the students, and 'dark triad' traits were observed in them. This includes three major mental traits:
- Psychopathy – Lack of remorse, emotional detachment
- Narcissism – Self-obsession and a tendency to consider oneself superior
- Machiavellianism – The tendency to manipulate people
Such students were using AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney to create their assignments and projects, presenting them as their own work.
Researchers' Warning: Education Systems Need to Adopt New Measures
The authors of this study – Jinyi Song (Chodang University) and Shuyuan Liu (Baekseok University) – believe that universities now need to develop new strategies regarding AI. Their suggestions include:
- Creating assignments that are difficult to copy from AI
- Making students aware of ethics and digital integrity
- Developing clear guidelines on the proper and improper use of AI
AI: Boon or Challenge? The Need for New Thinking in the Education World
AI technology is helping to make learning easier and more interactive today, but along with this, it is also creating ethical and value-based crises. Students can also learn from AI, but if it is used only for copying and deceiving possibilities, then it defeats the very purpose of education.
