IN a session aimed at shaping how the next generation perceives artificial intelligence (AI), Michael Mohan Junior, CEO and Business Development head of STARR Computer Inc., cautioned students against viewing AI as a cognitive crutch, stressing the importance of human reasoning and intentional application of technology.
The talk drew 60 students and five teachers on Wednesday from St. Winefride’s Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, Kingston Secondary and Queenstown Secondary.
Addressing pupils on the future of AI, Mohan described the technology as “highly disruptive and deeply flawed,” and urged them to treat it strictly as a tool rather than a replacement for human thought.
His message underscored concerns that overreliance on generative AI for tasks such as essays, complex mathematics or coding could contribute to a “cognitive atrophy” among learners who bypass the rigorous effort needed to develop critical thinking skills.
“In the classroom, offloading essays, complex math, or code to generative AI accelerates a looming crisis of cognitive atrophy,” Mohan said, adding that mastering hard-earned skills remains essential for success in a competitive workforce. Instead, he advocated for what STARR Computer terms “Intentional AI”, a structural approach in which traditional, human-written logic governs systems and neural networks are consulted only for narrowly defined tasks.
Mohan’s comments reflect broader debates in the technology sector as AI becomes more ubiquitous in both educational and professional settings.
He warned that many foundation models driving today’s AI boom are marketed as “all‑knowing, general‑purpose solutions” despite being costly and resource‑intensive, consuming large GPU clusters and straining utility infrastructure.
Founded in 1991, STARR Computer is one of Guyana’s leading technology retailers and IT solutions providers, offering a range of products from computers and networking equipment to security systems and smart classroom technologies.
The company has also been involved in educational technology initiatives and regularly conducts workshops to expand tech knowledge within the community.
Mohan told the students that future professionals should see themselves as architects and decision‑makers, with AI serving as a “hammer” in their toolbox rather than the source of insight.
“We are currently navigating an internet of slop, where synthetic media and algorithmic cruelty are compromising the modern information environment,” he said, urging youth to demand auditable, specialized tools and retain human accountability over algorithmic outputs.
The session ended with an encouragement for students to apply hard work and critical engagement with technology as foundational skills, reinforcing that human reasoning must remain central to learning and innovation.
