The rise of generative artificial intelligence is beginning to influence the academic choices of students in Quebec, as educational institutions report a decline in enrollments for technical and creative programs.
The AI Influence
According to local media reports, programs specializing in graphic design and computer science at the Cégep level—Quebec’s unique public college system—are seeing a drop in applicants. The trend suggests a growing apprehension among students regarding the viability and future of these professions in an era increasingly dominated by AI.
A Shift in Career Perception
The decline in interest points to a broader cultural anxiety where AI is viewed as a potential replacement for human skill in both the visual arts and technical programming. By placing AI “in the dock,” the current situation highlights a critical tension between traditional professional training and the rapid evolution of automated tools, reflecting a wider uncertainty about which creative and technical skills will remain essential in the modern workforce.
