BadGeneration

The Bad Generation: IT Students Relying on Chat for Thinking

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {

  cout << "xin chao";
  return 0;
}

In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged among IT students: an increasing reliance on chat applications and AI assistants for problem-solving rather than developing critical thinking skills. This phenomenon is what I call “The Bad Generation” of IT professionals.

The Problem

Many students now instinctively turn to ChatGPT, Discord, or other messaging platforms when faced with coding challenges or conceptual questions. Instead of wrestling with problems and developing their own mental models, they outsource their thinking to others or AI systems.

This creates several issues:

1. Shallow learning: Students understand solutions superficially without grasping underlying principles
2. Dependency: A reliance on external resources rather than internal knowledge
3. Weakened problem-solving muscles: Critical thinking skills atrophy when not regularly exercised

Why This Happens

The immediate availability of answers is seductive. It’s easier to ask ChatGPT than to debug code yourself or spend hours researching algorithms. However, the learning that occurs through struggle cannot be replaced by receiving pre-packaged solutions.

Building Better Habits

To avoid becoming part of this “bad generation,” students should:

• Use chat platforms for guidance rather than complete solutions
• Attempt problems independently before seeking help
• Practice explaining solutions in their own words
• Set “no-AI” periods for certain learning tasks

Conclusion

Technology should augment our thinking, not replace it. The strongest IT professionals of tomorrow will be those who leverage AI and communication tools wisely while maintaining their own robust problem-solving abilities.