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AI-ducation Nation: When AI Goes Off the Rails

April 25, 2025

1 minute read

Illustration of a classroom where students watch glitchy AI podcast hosts resembling Timothée Chalamet and Bowen Yang on a screen, with a banner reading “AI-ducation 101” and a poster that says “Plants legit eat light.” — AI-ducation Nation: When Artificial Intelligence Goes Off the Rails in the Classroom

New York, NY — In a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, the venerable sketch comedy show took a satirical swipe at the growing integration of artificial intelligence in education. The sketch, featuring host Timothée Chalamet and cast member Bowen Yang as AI-generated podcast hosts, humorously highlighted the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on AI for teaching.

The Premise: AI Podcasts in the Classroom

The sketch opens in a high school classroom where a teacher introduces a new AI-powered podcast designed to make learning more engaging. Chalamet and Yang portray the AI hosts, delivering lessons with a blend of teenage slang and questionable facts. Their discussion on photosynthesis includes the line, “Plants, legit, eat light,” prompting confusion among students. One student remarks, “I don’t think we’re learning,” encapsulating the skepticism toward AI’s role in education.

The Glitches: Six Fingers and Existential Crises

As the sketch progresses, the AI hosts exhibit glitches, including Chalamet’s character inexplicably having six fingers. The AI duo spirals into an existential crisis, questioning their own existence and purpose, with lines like, “Do we exist?” and “Now, I’m mad. Now, I want revenge.”

The Satire: A Reflection of Real Concerns

While exaggerated for comedic effect, the sketch touches on genuine concerns about AI in education, such as the spread of misinformation and the lack of human nuance in teaching. It serves as a humorous reminder that while AI can be a valuable tool, it is not a panacea for educational challenges.

Conclusion: Proceed with Caution and Humor

Saturday Night Live‘s portrayal of AI in the classroom underscores the importance of critical thinking and human oversight in education. As schools explore the integration of AI technologies, it’s essential to balance innovation with discernment—and perhaps a healthy dose of humor.

Watch the Sketch:

For those interested in viewing the sketch, it is available on YouTube: