I plan to use AI both personally and professionally going forward. At this point, not using it is not an option for me. After having taken this class and learning about its downsides such as the environmental costs, limited policy guidance, and potential impacts on skills like critical thinking and summarizing, I will be more careful about how, when, and for what I use it. This is all because I want to stay mindful of environmental responsibility, continue thinking independently, and remain aware of risks like data misuse. As I learn more about how AI systems work and their broader effects on society and on me, I’m beginning to clarify my own stance and set boundaries for responsible use. Ultimately, AI is a powerful and convenient tool that isn’t going away and I think learning to use it thoughtfully is an important skill to have going forward.