Grammarly, the grammar and syntax program, has introduced "strategic suggestions" for its users. However, this new feature may hinder its usefulness for students as it exposes them to potential academic discipline. A viral story about a student from the University of North Georgia who used Grammarly to proofread her essay resulted in her being accused of unintentional cheating and placed on academic probation. This case highlights the complex issue of using artificial intelligence (AI) in education. While AI has been mainly associated with plagiarism concerns, the use of generative AI like Grammarly's new feature may be prohibited in some schools due to its potential for aiding cheating. Although many educational institutions encourage Grammarly's use, there is a lack of consistency regarding its acceptance as some schools ban it while others endorse it.

This discrepancy threatens the universal concept of academic integrity. The author believes that assistive technologies like Grammarly do not replace basic skills but enhance deeper learning. Comparing Grammarly to calculators and autocorrect, the author argues that these tools do not undermine the learning process but act as helpful aids. The question of whether using Grammarly constitutes cheating remains unanswered and poses ethical dilemmas for both students and schools. Ultimately, AI should complement and not undermine integrity and learning.