As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) becomes a regular part of college life, many educators are asking an important question: What does this mean for our students as humans? This session shares findings from a comparative study that explored stress and psychological well-being among college students who use GenAI and those who do not. Interestingly, the results challenge some common fears—there were no significant differences in stress or well-being based on GenAI use alone. These findings suggest that the real issue may not be whether students use AI, or but how they use it or in what circumstances they are using it. Aligned with the conference theme, this session centers human judgment, reflection, and ethical thinking in AI-supported learning. Through guided discussion, participants will reflect on assignment design, student agency, and ways to preserve empathy, connection, and care in teaching. Attendees will leave with practical questions and insights to support thoughtful, human-centered integration of GenAI in their classrooms.

Presenters

• Kaynat Khan kk2335@jagmail.southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama
• Asma Ul Husna, University of South Alabama
• Ashley Buffington ahb1723@jagmail.southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama