Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to “intelligent machines and algorithms that can reason and adapt based on sets of rules and environments which mimic human intelligence”. This field is evolving rapidly and the education sector, for one, is abuzz with discussion on AI use for writing. This matters not just for academics, but for anyone relying on trustworthy […] … learn more→
Can academics use AI to write journal papers? What the guidelines say
There is no loneliness epidemic – so why do we keep talking as if there is?
Most people experience periods of loneliness, isolation or solitude in their lives. But these are different things, and the proportion of people feeling lonely is stable over time. So why do we keep talking about an epidemic of loneliness? Before the COVID pandemic, several studies showed that rates of loneliness were stable in England, the US, Finland, […] … learn more→
How to design safer technology for children and adolescents?
Children and adolescents are at greatest risk in the digital environment. After all, not only is this the age group that spends the most time online, but the potential impacts of these risks are also more severe for them. On the one hand, it is important that both minors and their parents and educators, the […] … learn more→
Global rankings fuel hype, but students have more to consider when choosing a uni
At this time of year, many year 12 students are seriously turning their minds to the future. Should they go to university next year? If so, which one? June is also the start of the global ranking season. Last week saw the release of the QS Quacquarelli Symonds 2026 world university rankings, amid reports of a […] … learn more→
Is writing every day good advice?
The most common piece of writing advice given to doctoral researchers is “write every day” or some variation thereof. This advice appears consistently across academic writing guides, dissertation workshops, and mentor discussions. I bet you’ve read this. The reasoning behind this advice, yes there’s reasoning, highlights some key benefits. Regular writing helps you to maintain momentum […] … learn more→
How Internet of Things devices affect your privacy – even when they’re not yours
Some unusual witnesses helped convict Alex Murdaugh of the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. The first was Bubba, Maggie’s yellow Labrador retriever. Prosecutors used a recording of Bubba to place Alex at the site of the murders. Given Alex’s presence at the crime scene, other witnesses then revealed his movements, tracked his speed and […] … learn more→
Here’s why the public needs to challenge the ‘good AI’ myth pushed by tech companies
While there’s been much negative discussion about AI, including on the possibility that it will take over the world, the public is also being bombarded with positive messages about the technology, and what it can do. This “good AI” myth is a key tool used by tech companies to promote their products. Yet there’s evidence that consumers are wary of the presence of AI […] … learn more→
MIT researchers say using ChatGPT can rot your brain. The truth is a little more complicated
Since ChatGPT appeared almost three years ago, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies on learning has been widely debated. Are they handy tools for personalised education, or gateways to academic dishonesty? Most importantly, there has been concern that using AI will lead to a widespread “dumbing down”, or decline in the ability to think critically. If […] … learn more→
ChatGPT at university: why supervision is better than prohibition or laissez-faire
Since the arrival of ChatGPT, schools and universities have been faced with a major challenge: how to integrate these tools without compromising their fundamental educational principles? Generative artificial intelligence (AI) offers a multitude of promising prospects in higher education institutions: pedagogical innovation, personalized learning, time savings and stimulation of creativity. However, it raises serious ethical […] … learn more→
Is AI a con? A new book punctures the hype and proposes some ways to resist
Is AI going to take over the world? Have scientists created an artificial lifeform that can think on its own? Is it going to replace all our jobs, even creative ones, like doctors, teachers and care workers? Are we about to enter an age where computers are better than humans at everything? The answers, as […] … learn more→