A Pew survey reveals growing reliance on AI among teens for homework, despite concerns about accuracy and critical thinking.
- Rising Adoption: Teen usage of ChatGPT for schoolwork has doubled in two years, with 26% reporting they use the AI tool for assignments.
- Ethical Ambiguities: Teens see ChatGPT as acceptable for research, math problems, and essay writing, but mixed opinions remain on its pedagogical impact.
- Reliability Concerns: Studies show ChatGPT struggles with math and accuracy, raising questions about its role in education.
A growing number of teens are turning to ChatGPT for help with their schoolwork, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. The poll, which involved around 1,400 U.S. teens aged 13 to 17, found that 26% have used the AI-powered chatbot for homework, a significant rise from 13% just two years ago.
The data also highlights how teens perceive ChatGPT’s role in education. Over half (54%) of respondents said it’s acceptable to use the tool for researching new subjects, while 29% deemed it appropriate for solving math problems, and 18% thought it was suitable for essay writing. However, ChatGPT’s limitations raise concerns about its influence on learning outcomes.
ChatGPT’s Strengths and Shortcomings
ChatGPT has gained popularity among teens because of its ability to provide quick answers and streamline research. Yet, studies show the technology often falls short in key areas. A recent study evaluating ChatGPT’s ability to pass a doctorate-level history exam revealed its performance was only marginally better than random guessing. Its weakest areas include social mobility and geopolitics — subjects that could disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic teens, who report higher usage rates of ChatGPT for school-related tasks.
The chatbot also struggles with math, frequently making errors in calculations or logic. This is concerning given that nearly a third of teens believe using ChatGPT for math problems is acceptable.
Educational Impact: A Mixed Bag
The academic effects of ChatGPT use are under scrutiny. Research from the University of Pennsylvania found Turkish high school students who used ChatGPT performed worse on math tests compared to those who didn’t rely on AI tools. Meanwhile, a study in Germany showed that while students using ChatGPT could locate research materials more easily, their ability to synthesize information and produce critical analysis suffered.
These findings reflect broader concerns among educators. In a separate Pew survey, 25% of public K-12 teachers said AI tools like ChatGPT do more harm than good. The Rand Corporation found that only 18% of K-12 educators use AI in their classrooms, suggesting that teachers are wary of fully integrating these tools into curricula.
Balancing Innovation and Learning
As ChatGPT becomes increasingly popular among teens, the education system faces the challenge of balancing innovation with the need to maintain critical thinking and academic integrity. While ChatGPT can provide valuable assistance with research and ideas, its inaccuracies and potential to hinder skill development underscore the importance of guidance from educators.
Moving forward, schools may need to develop AI literacy programs to teach students how to use tools like ChatGPT effectively, ensuring they enhance learning rather than replace essential cognitive skills. For now, the rise of AI in education remains both an opportunity and a cautionary tale.