Help in Times of Need Â
Some students may argue that cheating helps them in times of personal crisis or when they face overwhelming circumstances. These could include family problems, health issues, or other stressors that make it difficult to focus on studying. In these cases, cheating might be seen as a way to cope with these external challenges while still meeting academic requirements.
Boosts Self-Confidence
In certain situations, students who cheat may feel a temporary boost in self-confidence due to their high scores. This might lead them to believe that they are more capable than they actually are, which could motivate them to engage more deeply with their studies in the future, albeit under false pretenses.
ExamplesÂ
Example Against Cheating
In many academic institutions, cheating has serious consequences. For example, a study from the University of New Hampshire found that students caught cheating were more likely to face academic penalties, including suspension or expulsion. These actions can have lasting effects on a student's reputation and academic progress.
Example for Cheating
In contrast, some students, particularly in high-stakes environments such as medical or law schools, argue that cheating is necessary for survival. A report by the National Bureau of Economic Research highlights that in highly competitive environments, students may cheat to maintain their grades and keep up with their peers, suggesting that the pressure to perform often leads to unethical decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while cheating might offer short-term benefits like high grades and a temporary boost in confidence, the long-term consequences are far more detrimental. It undermines personal growth, fairness in the academic system, and can lead to severe academic penalties. The risks far outweigh any potential rewards, making cheating on exams an unacceptable practice in the pursuit of education
