AI Smarts for College Students: Lesson One

As AI is quickly becoming part of the everyday world we live in, students have a responsibility to understand and use it appropriately. Whether you realize it or not, AI is already helping decide what you see on social media, what ads you get, how your favorite playlists are made, and even what job applications get reviewed. And that’s just scratching the surface.

Understanding AI isn’t just about keeping up with technology; rather, it’s about understanding the systems that are shaping your future. The better you understand how AI works and where it’s being used, the better prepared you’ll be to make smart decisions, whether that means using it as a productivity tool, protecting your personal data, or pushing back when something feels off or unfair.

Plus, AI raises a lot of big, messy questions. What happens when machines start making decisions for people? Who’s responsible when AI gets it wrong? How do we keep bias out of algorithms? These aren’t just tech questions; they’re social, ethical, and even political. And as the next generation of professionals, creators, and leaders, you’re going to need to be part of those conversations.

Long story short: AI isn’t just the future. It’s here now. And the more “AI smart” you are, the more confident, capable, and critical you’ll be in a world that’s being shaped by it.