Leigh Gaines

The use of AI in American schools has so far been driven by teachers rather than national policy.

Some teachers have rejected the technology outright, while others have begun using AI tools to create lesson plans and classroom activities.

A recent study from the Brookings Institution found that while there are some pros to using AI in education, the risks outweigh the benefits.

The study found that AI poses a serious threat to students' cognitive development because students could offload their thinking to AI.

And the study warns that the sycophantic nature of AI chatbots could stun a child's social and emotional growth, too.

For NPR News, I'm Leigh Gaines.

You know, you're never going to win long term on anger.

When it comes to schoolwork, the survey found teens are using AI chatbots for research to solve math problems and edit their writing.

One in 10 surveyed teens say they rely on AI chatbots to do all or most of their schoolwork.

Larger shares report using it for help with some of their schoolwork.

And a majority of teens think students at their school are regularly using AI to cheat.

As for the technology's impact on the future, teens' views are divided.

Slightly more expect AI to have a positive impact on society rather than a negative one.

Many teens who are optimistic say AI will make life easier, and those who are more skeptical worry about over-reliance on AI and job loss.

For NPR News, I'm Leigh Gaines.

When it comes to schoolwork, the survey found teens are using AI chatbots for research to solve math problems and edit their writing.

One in 10 surveyed teens say they rely on AI chatbots to do all or most of their schoolwork.

Larger shares report using it for help with some of their schoolwork.

And a majority of teens think students at their school are regularly using AI to cheat.

As for the technology's impact on the future, teens' views are divided.