Key Highlights
- California passes SB 53, the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act.
- The new law requires major AI developers to publish safety plans and report harmful incidents within 15 days.
- This legislation impacts college campuses by introducing psychological guardrails for students using AI tools.
- Alexa Chung, a professor at a university, expresses concerns about students’ reliance on AI affecting their critical thinking skills.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of the college experience. From essay-writing bots to emotional chat companions, these tools are used daily by students for learning, writing, and emotional support. However, many use AI without adequate guidance from faculty or counselors, leading to a significant challenge in teaching responsible AI use.
California’s Pioneering Legislation
Last month, California became the first state to pass SB 53, the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act. This landmark law mandates major AI developers to publish safety plans and report any harmful incidents within 15 days. Although aimed at large tech companies, its impact extends beyond corporate boundaries into higher education settings.
“This new wave of regulation invites higher education to think differently about what ‘AI safety’ really means,” notes Dr. Jessica Kizoreck, a professor specializing in AI anxiety. “It’s not just about preventing cyberattacks or misinformation; it’s also about protecting students’ attention, identity, and mental health.”
Psychological Guardrails for Students
The integration of AI into daily campus life has introduced new pressures for college students. These include academic stress combined with digital uncertainty, as seen in the use of AI tools such as essay-writing bots and emotional chat companions. The new law highlights the need to address psychological guardrails alongside technical ones.
“Students are caught in a double bind,” explains Dr. Kizoreck. “They feel anxious if they don’t use AI because they fear falling behind their peers, but also anxious when they do use it as it makes them question their own abilities and originality.”
The FDA Hearing on Generative AI
On November 6th, the FDA’s Digital Health Advisory Committee will hold a hearing focused on regulating “generative AI-enabled digital mental health medical devices.” This event is expected to be pivotal for both current clinicians and college students. The committee’s discussions will define new safety standards and raise critical questions about liability and patient care.
“The outcome of this hearing directly impacts the safety and reliability of mental health apps frequently used on campuses,” says Dr. Kizoreck. “It offers a clear glimpse into a future where ethical frameworks for validating and collaborating with sophisticated AI systems will be essential.”
Teaching AI Literacy as Emotional Literacy
The new California law presents an opportunity for reflection. If policymakers are building guardrails for the nation’s most powerful AI systems, colleges and universities should do the same for their students. This means teaching AI literacy as emotional literacy, guiding students to use these tools with intention, and helping them understand the psychological trade-offs of outsourcing too much thinking or feeling to technology.
“In a world where personal branding is everything, students face the challenge of building an authentic identity when their creative output is blended with AI,” observes Dr.
Otis Kopp, a professor at Florida International University. “It creates a subtle but persistent imposter syndrome, leaving them to constantly ask themselves, ‘Is this really my idea, or am I just a prompt engineer for a machine?’”
Experts emphasize the importance of creating a culture of psychological safety around AI. This involves helping students maintain a healthy sense of agency, curiosity, and self-efficacy while engaging with powerful new tools.
Conclusion
Balancing Technology and Humanity on Campus
The integration of artificial intelligence into daily campus life presents both opportunities and challenges for college students. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial that higher education institutions address the psychological impacts of AI use alongside its technical aspects. By teaching AI literacy as emotional literacy, colleges can help students navigate this new era with intention and care.
