Students and Sanders debate AI in classrooms and its wider effects on attention and the environment
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Summary
Students raised alarms about AI lowering academic standards and shortening attention spans; Sen. Sanders warned of cognitive decline linked to screen time, said AI can be a tool if used properly, and flagged environmental costs of data centers.
Students from multiple Vermont high schools questioned how artificial intelligence and short-form media are changing learning and attention spans.
Reese (Stowe) and others said AI makes it easier for students to bypass learning, raising concerns about lowered expectations and academic integrity. "So not only is the standard lower, but they're more likely to not do their own work," Reese said.
Sen. Bernie Sanders agreed that AI poses risks to learning and cautioned that overreliance on screens harms attention spans. He said students must learn critical thinking and discipline: "If your teacher assigns you something and you press a button and your AI gives you a good essay... what have you learned in the process other than you can press a button?" Sanders also indicated he planned to meet AI company executives soon to discuss these issues.
Panelists debated constructive approaches: teach students to use AI as a tool, strengthen assignments that require critical work, and expand hands-on or apprenticeship opportunities.
Separately, student Eden raised AI’s environmental footprint. Sanders said data centers demand large amounts of electricity and water and that he would oppose locating them in Vermont because of emissions and local rate impacts.
No policy decisions were announced; the discussion focused on educational practice, industry engagement and environmental considerations.
