Deepfakes, sextortion, and virtual lovers A new world order for generative artificial intelligence in universities?

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has taken higher education by storm since late 2022 and offered new opportunities and challenges for educators and learners alike. Yet dominant literature to date has emphasised the challenges of assessing effectively in a post-plagiarism and post-truth era, and the new technological affordances offered. Yet, the costs of generative artificial intelligence stemming beyond academic integrity breaches and student cheating are not well understood. In this panel, we discuss the emerging trends of Generative AI that extend beyond student learning but are nested inside the learning environment - from the emergence of AI-generated content to the side effects of extended use of AI on relationship formation, student social skill development, and social anxiety. We will in particular explore how this is occurring in the high school context and its subsequent applicability to university learners’ loneliness, isolation, and wellbeing. The panel offers a thought-provoking discussion with three academics in three different disciplines and universities, and a student partner with experience in AI usage.