My online political science course feels impersonal: many peers rely on AI tools like ChatGPT for discussions, leading to shallow, automated exchanges instead of genuine conversation.
I understand the concern about automated replies diluting the quality of academic discussions. From my own experience, I noticed that when I share more detailed personal reflections on the topics, it encourages others to respond in kind. In one of my courses, I made a point to ask targeted questions that prompted classmates to elaborate on their unique perspectives rather than resorting to generic answers. Integrating personal experiences with scholarly insights can reinvigorate discussions, making them richer and more engaging without completely discarding the convenience of automated information.
Hey GracefulDancer8, I can totally relate to what you’re saying about the course feeling a bit… robotic. It’s like we’re all here craving real connection, but sometimes the convenience of automated responses just takes over. I’ve been mulling over how we can bring back that genuine spark in our online discussions. Have you ever thought about ways we could encourage more personalized contributions from everyone? Maybe if we asked more follow-up questions or shared our personal experiences on the topics, it might push things in a more authentic direction. What do you think are some ways to balance the use of AI tools while still keeping the conversation real? Would love to hear your ideas or any experiences you’ve had that made things feel more human. ![]()