Pew: ChatGPT now helps more than a quarter of teens with homework

A new Pew Research study reveals a dramatic increase in teenage use of ChatGPT for schoolwork, with usage doubling from 13% to 26% between 2023 and 2024 in the United States.

Current usage trends: Students are showing distinct preferences for how they employ AI tools in their academic work, with varying levels of perceived acceptability.

• More than half of teenagers (54%) consider using ChatGPT for research purposes to be acceptable
• Math problem-solving with AI garnered approval from 29% of teens
• Essay writing using AI tools received the lowest approval rating at 18%
• Global AI adoption in education is significantly higher, with the Digital Education Council reporting 86% of students worldwide using some form of AI

Institutional response: Educational institutions are taking different approaches to address the growing presence of AI tools in academic settings.

• Arizona State University has partnered with OpenAI to explore productive integration of AI tools
• London’s David Game College is experimenting with AI-taught classes
• Many schools are developing nuanced policies that acknowledge AI’s inevitable presence while setting boundaries for appropriate use

Educational implications: The integration of AI in education presents both opportunities and challenges for learning outcomes.

• Concerns exist about potential overreliance on AI potentially hampering critical thinking skill development
• AI tools offer promising possibilities for personalized learning experiences and resource allocation
• Traditional restriction-based policies may prove ineffective as students find creative ways to utilize AI tools

Looking ahead: As AI tools become more sophisticated and widespread, educational institutions will need to balance embracing technological advancement with maintaining academic integrity and ensuring genuine learning occurs.

• The rapid adoption rate suggests AI integration in education is inevitable rather than optional
• Success will likely depend on developing frameworks that harness AI’s benefits while preserving essential academic skills
• Educational policies may need to evolve from attempting to restrict AI use to teaching students how to use it responsibly and effectively

The path forward: Rather than focusing solely on preventing AI use, educational institutions may need to develop comprehensive strategies that prepare students to be discerning users of AI technology while maintaining high academic standards.