COIMBATORE: Indian Institute of Science (IISc) director Govindan Rangarajan on Monday appealed to students to treat artificial intelligence as a tool — rather than a substitute for thinking — and avoid becoming overly dependent on it in ways that could erode reasoning and critical skills.Rangarajan said constant immersion in phones, apps and AI tools could weaken empathy and real-world relationships. “You are going to be the generation which makes sure that humanity wins this battle against AI,” Rangarajan told graduating students at PSG College of Technology, urging them to safeguard human empathy and real-world relationships as technology deepens its hold on daily life.Speaking as chief guest, Rangarajan cautioned students against substituting human companionship with AI companions and said some users develop romantic attachments that could distort social development. He appealed to them to keep in close touch with friends, build enduring relationships and avoid the loneliness that could persist despite being “connected” through messaging platforms and social media.Rangarajan said young people would have to respond to multiple crises at once. A strong sense of community and responsibility would be essential, he said. Rangarajan highlighted the energy seen in India’s youth ecosystem and startups and called on students to channel their skills toward public good, resilience and safeguarding society.A total of 543 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the departments of computer science and engineering, information technology, biomedical engineering, biotechnology and biomedical engineering received their certificates on the occasion.
