Are Humanities Students at the Risk of Being Replaced by AI?

Meet Ananya Vinod, a Global Politics graduate from the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE). Coming from a background where humanities are often seen as a “backup option,” she chose to challenge that perception head on. Her story is more than a success tale of a person with academic power but also a story of persistence, of proving that one can study humanities and find doors to very relevant and crucial careers in policymaking, government, and otherwise.

In this conversation, Ananya also describes how she feels about the relevancy of humanities in an AI driven world and myths about it. She also shares her experiences on LSE as to the processes of applying to studying in the U.K. as well as growth both personally and in terms of education. Her experience gives students a new insight into the life of humanities as a career.

Studying Humanities in India and Abroad

In India, humanities often come with stereotypes and are sometimes viewed as a fallback choice. The focus in classrooms leans more on memorizing than questioning, leaving little room for open debate. As a result, students may miss out on practicing critical thinking or backing their views with evidence.

Abroad, the approach feels more open and engaging. At places like LSE, students are urged to question assumptions, defend their ideas with proof, and see connections between humanities and other fields such as economics and politics. Learning goes beyond books, with cultural exchange and diverse perspectives adding depth to the experience.

Does Data and AI Influence Policy Making?

Data and AI have become important tools in shaping policy, but they are not the whole story. As Ananya explains, policy work is often misunderstood as report writing when in reality it is about connecting ideas with rules that impact real people. Here, data and AI help by analyzing trends, weighing costs and benefits, and showing possible outcomes. They make the process sharper and more evidence based. Still, the final decisions rely on human judgment, empathy, and the ability to understand how policies affect communities, something AI cannot replace.

Strong Profile Tips for LSE Applicants

Building a strong application for LSE is less about ticking boxes and more about showing depth in your academic journey. Ananya highlights a few areas where students can stand out.

SOP that Stands Out:

Ananya recalls the word “super curricular” but explains that it simply means extending classroom learning beyond the syllabus. Instead of listing activities, she suggests showing how what you studied in class helped you question, research, or even present your ideas in spaces like papers or conferences.

To make your SOP stronger, you can try GyanDhan’s free SOP review tool. It gives instant feedback and helps refine your draft in minutes.

Impactful Recommendations:

Letters of recommendation hold weight at LSE. She stresses that endorsements from professors who truly know your academic strengths and intellectual curiosity can add credibility and depth to your profile.

Relevant Work and Internships:

Practical exposure, whether through internships or projects, strengthens an application. For her, working on issues like gender and social awareness showed her ability to apply theoretical knowledge in meaningful ways, something LSE values highly.

Academic Background:

A strong academic base really matters. When your grades show steady effort and you back it up with curiosity and critical thinking, it tells the committee you are ready for the tough but exciting journey at LSE.

Can AI Really Replace Us?

According to Ananya, AI is excellent when it comes to numbers and forecasts, but can it really go beyond that? It is able to process data or even analyse a sonnet but not be able to feel the emotion of what words are being used. It is incapable of negotiating peace and questioning things that are provided by people. She states that AI can aid us in recognizing patterns but cannot challenge and defy in that matter and that is where the people come in. Whether the issue is ethics, rights or sustainability, what matters is being able to understand and reflect. AI can help and support but the human aspect will never be sidelined.

Conclusion 

Ananya’s journey is a reminder that while AI is growing fast, it is human curiosity and critical thinking that truly shape our future. Her story shows the importance of asking questions and finding your own path in studies and beyond. And if you are planning your next steps, a simple way to start is by checking your loan eligibility with GyanDhan’s free tool. It takes just a minute and helps you move forward with clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions