Hsu, Hua. “The End of the Essay.” The New Yorker, July 7 & 14, 2025, 21-27. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/07/07/the-end-of-the-english-paper
Hsu writes about the ways in which college students are using AI to complete their assignments, and also about the ways in which college professors and administrators are responding. His essay is based on many interviews with students and faculty, along with other research on the implications of AI and the future of education. The link is to the online version of the essay, which had the title “What Happens After A.I. Destroys College Writing?”
I think this essay does a good job of addressing the complexities, anxieties, and emotions of both students and educators about AI. Hsu does not argue “for” or “against” AI per se, though he does suggest higher education needs to reform as a result of AI. Ultimately, I think the title in both the print and online versions don’t accurately reflect Hsu’s views: that is, I don’t think Hsu thinks AI is going to “end” or “destroy” writing.
Leave a Reply