Pupils Fear AI Is Eroding Their Ability to Study, Research Finds


Four serious-looking teenage students (two boys, two girls) are seated across from each other at a long table in a library setting, each with an open laptop in front of them. Glowing, ethereal representations of open books made of data and digital information hover above their laptops, subtly connecting them to the screens. Their expressions convey concern and perhaps a touch of apprehension as they look directly at the viewer. The background features bookshelves, typical of a library or study area. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
A new study reveals that students are increasingly concerned about how artificial intelligence might be undermining their foundational study and research abilities. Explore the findings that confirm pupils’ fears about AI’s impact on learning. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

The Guardian

Summary

A study commissioned by Oxford University Press (OUP) reveals that students across the UK increasingly worry that artificial intelligence is weakening their study habits, creativity, and motivation to learn. The report, Teaching the AI Native Generation, found that 98 per cent of pupils aged 13 to 18 use AI for schoolwork, with 80 per cent relying on it regularly. Many described AI as making tasks “too easy” and limiting their independent thinking. While students recognise its usefulness, they also express concern about overreliance and skill erosion. The findings highlight the urgent need for balanced AI education strategies that promote critical thinking, ethical awareness, and human creativity alongside digital competence.

Key Points

  • 98 per cent of UK secondary pupils use AI for schoolwork, most on a regular basis.
  • Many pupils say AI tools make studying too easy and reduce creativity.
  • Concerns are growing about AI’s impact on independent learning and problem-solving.
  • The study urges educators to develop frameworks for responsible, balanced AI use.
  • OUP calls for schools to integrate AI literacy into teaching while safeguarding learning depth.

Keywords

URL

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/15/pupils-fear-ai-eroding-study-ability-research

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5