Media Analysis: Will AI Make College Obsolete?

Original Article: Will AI Make College Obsolete?

Publisher: The New Yorker

Author: Jay Caspian Kang

Publication Date: 5th May 2026

Note: This article is behind a paywall

Summary of the original article:

The article, published by The New Yorker on 5th May 2026, explores how artificial intelligence is challenging the traditional purpose of higher education as AI-powered tools become increasingly capable of tutoring, explaining complex concepts, and generating content. The article asks whether universities can continue to justify their role as the primary providers of knowledge.

The article argues that higher education is entering a period of profound transformation where the institutions most likely to succeed will be those that move beyond knowledge delivery and focus on developing uniquely human capabilities such as critical thinking, creativity and collaboration.

Why it matters for A4-AI (Academics for AI):

For A4AI, this article addresses one of the most important questions facing higher education today: What is the future role of universities in the age of artificial intelligence?

At A4-AI, we believe AI should not be viewed as a threat to higher education, but as a catalyst for transformation. Universities have an opportunity to rethink curricula, teaching methods, assessment, and graduate outcomes to ensure students are equipped not only to use AI effectively, but also to develop the human skills that AI cannot replace.

Questions for Academia:

Thanks to AI, are we academics going to go the way of the lamp lighter?

Read the original article: Here at The New Yorker