Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Laurent Giraid, a renowned technologist with deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence, particularly in machine learning, natural language processing, and the ethical implications of AI. With the rapid rise of AI tools like ChatGPT in education, alongside the enduring popularity of essay writing services, Laurent offers a unique perspective on how technology intersects with student needs. In this conversation, we’ll explore the evolving role of AI in academic work, why students often prefer human expertise over automated solutions, and what sets trusted essay writing platforms apart in this digital age.
How have you observed students integrating AI tools into their academic routines over the past few years?
I’ve seen a remarkable shift in how students engage with AI tools. Initially, there was a lot of hype around tools like ChatGPT being a complete game-changer for schoolwork. And while adoption has grown—surveys show a third of college students use these tools monthly—it’s not quite the revolution some predicted. Students are using AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for their own efforts. It’s become a go-to for quick assistance, especially among teens, where usage has doubled in just a year. The trend is clear: AI is a fixture, but it’s more of a helper than a standalone solution.
What kinds of tasks do students seem to gravitate toward when using AI in their studies?
From what I’ve observed and based on recent surveys, students primarily use AI for brainstorming ideas, creating outlines, conducting preliminary research, and preparing for tests. These are tasks where AI can quickly generate a starting point or summarize information. For instance, over half of students use it to dig deeper into a topic or find academic sources. It’s less about writing full pieces and more about getting a foundation to build on, which makes sense given AI’s strengths in speed and data aggregation.
Why do you think students are less likely to rely on AI for writing complete essays compared to other academic tasks?
I believe it comes down to trust and quality. Writing a full essay requires nuance, personal voice, and often a deep understanding of context—things AI struggles with. Only about a third of students use AI for essay writing, and that number drops even lower for high-stakes pieces like scholarship applications. AI can churn out text fast, but it often feels generic or lacks the depth needed for academic rigor. Plus, there’s the looming fear of detection tools like Turnitin flagging AI content, which adds a layer of risk students aren’t willing to take for critical assignments.
In your view, how has the emergence of AI tools reshaped the way students approach writing assignments?
AI has definitely changed the workflow. It’s made the initial stages of writing—research and ideation—faster and more accessible. Students can get a rough draft or outline in seconds, which can be a huge time-saver. However, it’s also introduced new challenges, like over-reliance on technology or struggling to differentiate their own voice from AI-generated content. I think it’s pushed students to be more discerning about when to use tech and when to lean on their own skills or seek human help for polished, personalized work.
What’s your perspective on why AI hasn’t overtaken traditional essay writing services despite early predictions?
When AI tools first emerged, many thought they’d make essay writing services obsolete because of their speed and zero cost. But AI can’t replicate the human touch. Professional services offer tailored content that reflects a student’s unique style, something AI often fails at. AI also tends to recycle clichéd ideas and can invent facts, which is a dealbreaker for academic integrity. Essay writing services, on the other hand, provide originality and accountability—students know they’re getting work that’s crafted with care and expertise, not just algorithmically spit out.
Why do you think many students still choose professional essay writing services over free AI alternatives?
It’s largely about reliability and personalization. AI might be free, but it often produces generic or factually questionable content. Professional services employ real writers who understand academic expectations and can adapt to specific requirements. Students also value the assurance that their work won’t be flagged as machine-generated. Beyond that, there’s a level of trust in human expertise—knowing someone is accountable for the quality of the work makes a big difference, especially for critical assignments.
How does a human writer manage to reflect a student’s personal voice in a way that AI struggles to do?
Human writers have the ability to empathize and interpret. They can review samples of a student’s past work or dive into detailed instructions to mimic tone and style. AI, by contrast, relies on patterns in data—it can approximate a voice, but it often feels mechanical or off. A human can weave in personal anecdotes or specific perspectives that make the writing feel authentic. It’s about capturing the essence of the student, not just producing grammatically correct text, which is where AI falls short.
How crucial is it for an essay to be distinctive, and why does AI often fall behind in this area?
Standing out is incredibly important, especially for things like college applications or scholarships where originality can make or break an opportunity. A distinctive essay tells a story or presents an argument in a way that feels fresh and memorable. AI tends to lean on common tropes or widely available information, resulting in content that feels repetitive or uninspired. Human writers bring creativity and critical thinking to the table, crafting ideas that haven’t been recycled a thousand times online, which gives their work a unique edge.
Can you share some insights on the specific strengths of a platform like EssayPro in meeting student needs compared to AI tools?
EssayPro has carved out a strong reputation by offering versatility and quality. With writers specializing in over 140 subjects and a track record of completing hundreds of thousands of assignments yearly, it provides a level of expertise AI can’t match. Students appreciate the affordability paired with in-depth, creative content that feels human-crafted. The ability to choose their own writer also gives them control, ensuring the final product aligns with their vision—something no AI tool can replicate with the same precision.
What are your thoughts on the future of AI in education, particularly in relation to essay writing services?
I think AI will continue to grow as a complementary tool in education, helping with brainstorming, research, and even basic drafting. But I don’t see it replacing essay writing services anytime soon. The demand for human creativity, nuanced arguments, and personalized content will persist, especially as detection tools become more sophisticated. My forecast is that we’ll see a hybrid approach—students using AI for quick tasks and turning to professional services for high-stakes, polished work. The balance between technology and human expertise will likely define the next decade in academic support.
