The impact of artificial intelligence software on the supervisor-graduate student relationships

This theoretical paper systematically investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) software on supervisor-graduate student relationships (SGSR) from a socio-technical systems perspective. It proposes the concept of ‘technology acceptance alignment’ across three dimensions—capability, purpose, and pacing—to explain how the match between supervisors and students determines whether AI functions as a ‘relationship optimizer’ or a ‘defect amplifier’. The core mechanism lies in reshaping the dimensions of ‘influence’ and ‘intimacy’ through empowering supervisors, regulating students, setting rules, and mediating interactions. Applying the influence-intimacy typology across eight relationship types, the analysis reveals that under appropriate use, AI helps each type overcome inherent limitations; under misaligned use, it exacerbates existing vulnerabilities. The study proposes a multi-level strategy involving relational contracts, differentiated interventions, and institutional support, emphasizing the principle of ‘prioritizing the relationship while leveraging technology’ to ensure AI serves human development and the academic community.