Use AI, but don't depend on it: IIT alumnus sparks debate on student learning

A viral post by an IIT alumnus has reignited debate over students' growing reliance on AI tools such as ChatGPT for coding, assignments and learning, with concerns emerging about their impact on critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

In Short

• IIT alumnus Devaansh Bhandari warns against overreliance on AI in learning
• He stresses AI should aid learning, not replace problem-solving efforts
• Bhandari recalls debugging struggles that built his strong coding skills

As artificial intelligence becomes an integral part of classrooms, coding projects, and everyday learning, a viral post by startup founder and IIT alumnus Devaansh Bhandari has reignited a crucial debate: Are students becoming too dependent on AI?

Bhandari's post on X has struck a chord with thousands of users, particularly aspiring software engineers and college students navigating an increasingly AI-driven academic environment. His message was simple but powerful: Using AI as a tool to learn faster, not as a replacement for learning itself.

The discussion has since evolved into a broader conversation about critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and whether constant AI assistance could weaken the skills students need to succeed in their careers.

THE STRUGGLE THAT BUILDS SKILLS

Reflecting on his coding journey, Bhandari recalled learning to program in 2020, before AI coding assistants became mainstream.

According to him, even simple bugs could take 30 to 40 minutes to resolve. The process often involved reading documentation, researching solutions online, and repeatedly testing different approaches.

While frustrating at the time, those experiences helped him develop strong technical fundamentals and a deeper understanding of programming concepts.

"The hours spent debugging taught me much more than just fixing a bug," he explained, arguing that independent problem-solving helped him become a stronger developer and eventually secure multiple job offers.

WHY IS AI DEPENDENCY BECOMING A CONCERN?

AI-powered tools can now generate code, explain concepts, summarise documentation, and even complete assignments within seconds.

For many students, these capabilities have dramatically increased productivity. However, critics argue that excessive reliance on AI may reduce opportunities to develop analytical thinking and troubleshooting skills.

Bhandari warned that students who turn to AI for every coding challenge, assignment, or project risk missing out on the deeper understanding that comes from working through problems independently.

His advice: embrace AI, but don't let it do all the thinking.

SOCIAL MEDIA USERS SHARE REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCES

The post quickly gained traction, prompting developers and students to share personal experiences.

One user described how an AI assistant generated multiple possible explanations for a performance issue causing frame-rate drops in a project. Instead of spending hours investigating each AI-generated suggestion, the developer performed a quick manual diagnosis and discovered the real culprit — a display driver problem.

The experience reinforced a key lesson echoed throughout the discussion: AI can suggest possibilities, but human judgment remains essential.

Others agreed that while AI is useful for speeding up workflows, understanding the root cause of a problem often requires independent investigation.

HOW SHOULD STUDENTS USE AI EFFECTIVELY?

The debate has also raised practical questions about responsible AI use in education.

Many experts suggest that students should first attempt to solve problems independently before seeking AI assistance. This approach allows learners to build foundational knowledge while still benefiting from AI's ability to explain concepts, provide alternative perspectives, and streamline repetitive tasks.

Rather than replacing effort, AI can act as a mentor, tutor, or productivity enhancer when used strategically.

A commenter raised a common concern: How can developers remember solutions after researching them? The user said they often forget concepts despite reading documentation and articles. The discussion highlighted the importance of active learning, with many suggesting that applying knowledge through projects and practice helps concepts stick longer.

AI IN EDUCATION: TOOL OR CRUTCH?

The viral discussion reflects a growing tension in modern education.

On one hand, AI is transforming how students learn, making information more accessible than ever. On the other, educators and industry professionals worry that overreliance on these tools could hinder the development of critical skills such as reasoning, debugging, and independent problem-solving.

Bhandari's message resonates because it does not reject AI. Instead, it advocates balance.

As AI continues to reshape education and the workplace, the challenge for students may not be whether to use AI — but how to use it without sacrificing the learning experiences that build expertise.

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