Students’ Level of Awareness on the Environmental Implications of Generative AI

Abstract

In recent years, the number of studies on artificial intelligence or AI has increased tremendously, and their place in daily life is beginning to be felt more and more each day. Current rise of generative AI tools has brought forth dangers regarding its potential misuse, leading to impacts on the environment. College students were surveyed using an infographic and a 5-point Likert scale to assess their awareness regarding these environmental implications. The students exhibited a lack of awareness on most of the implications, only recognizing generative AI’s impact on the environment to a certain extent. In particular, the awareness of students on the environmental implications of generative AI such as its carbon footprint resulted in an unclear consensus. Additionally, students only showed an understanding of the electricity that generative AI demands and not also the fresh water and rare metals it consumes. The data suggests that this lack of awareness may stem from insufficient knowledge regarding generative AI. To address these concerns, further promotion in raising awareness was recommended, and an infographic was proposed.