Teens Double ChatGPT Usage for Schoolwork Despite AI’s Flaws

A Pew Research Center survey reveals that 26% of U.S. teens now use ChatGPT for schoolwork—double the percentage from two years ago—but it remains uncertain whether they fully understand the technology's limitations.

Teens aged 13 to 17 are increasingly embracing OpenAI’s AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT, to help with school assignments. However, the technology’s well-documented shortcomings in accuracy and depth raise concerns about its impact on learning.

Survey Findings: How Teens Use ChatGPT

In the survey of approximately 1,400 U.S.-based teens, respondents shared their views on ChatGPT’s role in education:

• 26% have used ChatGPT for homework or school-related assignments.

• 54% find it acceptable for researching new topics.

• 29% believe it’s appropriate for solving math problems.

• 18% think it’s suitable for writing essays.

Concerns About ChatGPT's Performance

ChatGPT, while popular, has notable weaknesses:

• Inaccuracy in math: Research shows that ChatGPT struggles with mathematical problems and is prone to errors.

• Knowledge gaps: A recent study found GPT-4, the model behind ChatGPT, performed only slightly better than random guessing on doctorate-level history questions. The study highlighted weaknesses in areas such as social mobility and geopolitics, which are relevant to topics many teens encounter in school.

• Impact on Skills: Studies suggest that while ChatGPT helps students find research materials more easily, it may impair critical thinking and the ability to integrate information from different sources.

These limitations are particularly concerning given that Black and Hispanic teens are more likely than their white peers to report using ChatGPT for school-related tasks, per the Pew survey.

Mixed Reactions in Education

Educators and researchers remain divided on ChatGPT’s role in classrooms:

• Skepticism from teachers: A 2022 Pew survey found that 25% of public K-12 teachers believe tools like ChatGPT do more harm than good.

• Limited classroom adoption: A Rand Corporation and the Center on Reinventing Public Education poll reported that only 18% of K-12 educators use AI tools in their teaching.

Broader Implications

The increasing use of ChatGPT by teens underscores the need for careful integration of AI tools into education. While the technology can provide valuable assistance, its limitations risk fostering overreliance and hindering critical skills development.

• For educators: Understanding ChatGPT’s capabilities and weaknesses is key to guiding students toward responsible use.

• For students: Balancing AI assistance with traditional learning methods will be essential to building foundational skills.

What This Means

As ChatGPT becomes a staple for schoolwork, its role in education must be thoughtfully managed. Collaboration between educators, parents, and developers will be crucial in leveraging AI’s potential while minimizing its drawbacks.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.