AI is everywhere right now. It writes summaries, explains theories, fixes grammar, and recommends playlists.
But here’s the thing nobody says out loud: you’re allowed not to use it.

Whether you feel anxious, unsure, or just plain uninterested, opting out of AI is a perfectly valid choice, and one that deserves just as much support as using it.

AI freaks me out a bit…

You’re not alone. For many students, the hesitation comes from not fully trusting what AI will do, sometimes it seems helpful, sometimes it feels confusing. That uncertainty is enough to make anyone pause, especially when you want your work to feel genuinely your own.

Deciding not to use AI doesn’t mean you’re out of touch. It shows you’re thoughtful about how you work and what supports your learning best.

Aren’t there significant ethical concerns around AI?

Yes, and this is exactly what’s so great about our Aber students. So many of them are thinking beyond the tools themselves and considering the bigger picture. They’re raising issues like:

• Climate impact: AI isn’t magic; it runs on energy. A lot of it.
• Human cost: Some AI systems rely on low‑paid workers in the Global South who label data or filter harmful content.
• Tech giants: Using certain tools can feel like indirectly funding companies that don’t always align with your values.

Caring about these issues is not being “dramatic.” It’s being a thoughtful and engaged citizen of the world.

What is happening to my data?

Some students worry about what happens to the things they type into AI tools. Who sees it? Where is it stored? Can it be used to train future models?
If that uncertainty makes you uncomfortable, choosing not to use AI, or using it only for low‑stakes tasks, is absolutely valid.

Is AI Undermining my Confidence?

Whilst AI can sound like a super‑supportive friend, agreeing with everything you say and telling you how brilliant your work is, that can actually be counterproductive. If everything looks “great” all of the time, it becomes harder to spot what really needs improving.

AI can be helpful, but it can also quietly chip away at your confidence if you rely on it too heavily.

Remember: there’s something empowering about putting that last full stop on an assignment you wrote yourself and coming away knowing: I researched this. I wrote this. I understand this.

It’s my choice, right?

AI shouldn’t feel compulsory. Not for essays, not for revision, not for anything. And if anyone makes you feel like you must use it, that’s a conversation worth having with your personal tutor.

In the end, it’s your learning, your values, your choice.

Whether you use AI every day, occasionally, or not at all, you deserve tools, support, and guidance that respect your autonomy.

AI at AU? Try out our new AI Literacy Course.

Using AI well means more than just getting quick answers. It means thinking critically about outputs, checking facts, and staying within the rules with regards to academic integrity.

 

 

 

Our AI Literacy Course gives you the essentials:

• The rules you need to follow
• The ethics behind responsible use
• How to critically evaluate AI outputs
• Tips for using AI effectively in your studies
• And where the limits of AI really lie

If you’re AI-curious, being cautious, or just want to stay out of trouble, this course is your guide to responsible, ethical, and safe use of AI use at university.

All students and staff are enrolled on the AI Literacy Course. It is available in both Welsh and English. Go to www.blackboard.aber.ac.uk and you’ll find it under Organisations.