Researchers have raised alarms about the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, following a survey of 95,000 students from 20 universities in the United States. The study revealed that almost 40% of students regularly consult AI chatbots, with 10% admitting to using these tools for cheating. According to Rene Kizilcec, an associate professor at Cornell University, this misuse poses a significant threat to the validity of assessments and the credibility of university credentials. The findings, published in the journal Science, indicate that the use of generative AI varies by academic discipline, with 60% of computing students using AI tools at least monthly, compared to about 25% among arts students. Interestingly, students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields were found to be less likely to cheat using AI. Igor Chirikov from the University of California, Berkeley, noted that as AI usage among students continues to rise, so too does the potential for misuse, highlighting the urgent need for educational institutions to respond to this challenge effectively.