James DeVaney, the associate vice provost of innovation and the founding executive director of the Center for Academic Innovation, reflects in Insider Higher Ed on the obvious benefits of off-loading tasks to generative artificial intelligence and weighs them against drawbacks like the potential loss of experience, empathy, and our humanity.  DeVaney writes: 

“Over the last 18 months, I’ve been spending multiple hours a day immersed in generative AI tools, exploring their capabilities, limitations and potential impact. In my role at the University of Michigan, I’m continually thinking about how these and other tools can and should shape our colleagues’ work and the communities we serve. But perhaps more profoundly, this sustained exploration has led me to reflect on what it truly means to be human—at work, in relationships and throughout life.

As we embrace these technologies, we must also consider the experiences we need to discover and maintain our connections—and our humanity. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, I find myself asking: What are the experiences that define us, and how do they influence the relationships we build, both professionally and personally?”