Artificial intelligence is quickly replacing Google search for teenagers, new research suggests. How is AI shaping their schoolwork?
Only a small group of teens are seeking emotional support or advice from AI, a behavior that deeply concerns experts.
Instead, teens are most commonly using AI to search for information (57%), homework help (54%) and fun or entertainment (47%), according to a new Pew Research Center report.
Meanwhile, one in 10 teens reports using AI for all or most of their homework. Teens who use AI for homework in any capacity say it helps them research topics (48%), solve math problems (43%) and edit written work (35%).
Perhaps top-of-mind for leaders is whether students are using AI to cheat. The obvious answer is, yes, students do sometimes cheat using chatbots.
According to the data, 34% of teens cheat “extremely” or “very often,” and another 25% cheat “somewhat often.”
However, despite the ethical concerns, teens see AI as a positive force, especially for learning.
“It [AI] has the ability to help me learn things faster and better,” said one teen. “As it gets to know me, it can fit me better.”
Another individual described AI as a “force multiplier,” adding that we are in the “very early stages” of AI development.
“Everyone’s going to have to know how to use AI, or they’ll be left behind,” said the teen.
Some teens aren’t so optimistic. One respondent argued that AI is destroying young people’s minds. Others said that it dampens creativity and spreads misinformation.
“It’s already being used to spread propaganda,” said one teen. “There’s no end to what it can do. It’s hard to tell what’s real or AI online anymore.”
More from DA: Students don’t share the public’s doubts about college value
