Generative artificial intelligence and learning: At the dawn of Idiocracy?

Abstract

In this article, we reflect on the dark side of generative artificial intelligence. We identify several concerns associated with generative artificial intelligence in relation to knowledge processing and developing understanding, including misalignment between the AI’s intended and actual use, its rhetorical duplicity, risk of technical dependence, negative impact on creativity and contextual understanding, overall decreased knowledge quality, the production of ‘illusory truths’, AI’s progressive encapsulation and its exponential proliferation. We call for reflection on its potential implications for management learning, as well as for learning more broadly.