Recently, researchers in Sweden conducted a study on the relationship between the use of AI tools among school-age children and their executive functions. The findings reveal that the use of AI tools carries both potential benefits and risks, especially for students who already face learning challenges.
The study was divided into two parts: the first part focused on younger students with an average age of 14, involving 385 participants; the second part targeted teenagers with an average age of 17, with 359 participants.
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The results indicate significant differences in AI tool usage between the two age groups. Only 14.8% of younger students use AI chatbots for their homework, whereas this figure jumps to 52.6% among older students. Interestingly, boys tend to favor ChatGPT, while girls prefer Snapchat MY-AI.
The study shows that students reporting more executive function issues find AI tools particularly useful for completing school assignments, a finding that concerns the researchers. While AI may help students with learning disabilities plan and complete their homework more effectively, relying on it as a substitute for learning could negatively impact their cognitive development.
Moreover, researchers are unsure whether students use AI tools merely as aids or rely on them to independently complete entire tasks. The latter could raise ethical issues and lead to uncritical acceptance of AI-generated content. The study found no significant correlation between the use of AI tools and academic performance.
Researchers emphasize the need for schools to establish guidelines for the use of AI chatbots and call for further research to ensure the safe and effective use of AI in education, particularly considering its impact on equity and cognitive development.
Another related study from a Korean university provides additional context. Researchers surveyed 300 students using ChatGPT and found that stress significantly increases AI usage.
Students with low academic self-efficacy experience greater stress, which in turn promotes higher expectations and greater reliance on AI. Students reported common negative consequences of AI use, including increased laziness, reduced creativity, spread of misinformation, and decline in critical thinking.
Key points:
📊 Older students (52.6%) use AI tools more frequently than younger students (14.8%).
🧠 Students with learning disabilities may rely more on AI, which could negatively impact their cognitive development.
📚 Researchers call for guidelines on AI use to ensure its safety and effectiveness in education.