AI and Academia: Student Perspectives and Ethical Implications
Survey
May. 2024
Sample Size:
1,351
Demographics:
High school students
Topics:
Learning
Admissions And Enrollment
Top Findings:
- Fifty-five percent of respondents said they were somewhat or strongly worried that other students’ AI usage will hurt their chances of getting into their chosen college. Similarly, about three out of five said they believe other students’ AI usage will affect their chance of getting scholarships and limit career opportunities after college.
- Two out of five students said AI tools contribute to misinformation, with the same amount calling the use of AI a form of cheating. A similar percentage (43 percent) believe using the tools contributes to a significant decline in critical thinking and creativity.
- A majority of incoming college students reported familiarity with AI—nearly half of respondents (48 percent) reported they are knowledgeable, with more than a quarter (26 percent) stating they are “very” knowledgeable.
- About two out of five students (41 percent) are simply using AI “for fun,” with 35 percent stating they are using it for academic purposes, including studying, note taking, writing essays and studying languages. A small number of students are utilizing AI in their college search, with 8 percent saying they leveraged the technology for things like writing college applications or financial aid and scholarship essays.