ChatGPT's Growing Role in Teen Education
According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, a quarter of teens use ChatGPT for schoolwork, up from 13% in 2023.
This significant increase indicates a growing trend in AI adoption for educational purposes. However, it's important to note that nearly three-quarters of teens (73%) still have not used the chatbot for schoolwork. The survey only asked about ChatGPT and did not ask about usage outside of schoolwork.
Fifty-four percent of teens say using ChatGPT to research new topics is acceptable, while only 9% say it is not acceptable. Most teens have heard of ChatGPT (79%), up from 67% in 2023.
The survey reveals interesting demographic patterns:
Black and Hispanic teens (31% each) are more likely to use ChatGPT for schoolwork compared to White teens (22%).
Older students, particularly those in 11th and 12th grades (31%), use ChatGPT more frequently than 7th and 8th graders (20%).
Teens from low-income households showed the most significant growth in awareness of ChatGPT over the past year. In 2023, 41% were aware of the chatbot, while now that number has risen to 67%, an increase of 26 points. In comparison, awareness grew by 11 points among teens from households earning between $30,000 and $75,000 and by 9 points among those from households earning $75,000 or more.
The increasing awareness and adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT among teens, especially those from low-income backgrounds, present a promising opportunity to bridge longstanding gaps in educational resources. Historically, students from higher-income families have had greater access to tutoring, SAT preparation, and college readiness programs. AI-powered platforms have the potential to level the playing field by making these resources more accessible and affordable for a broader range of students.
However, awareness alone does not guarantee effective use. Simply having access to technology does not ensure it is utilized in a way that provides meaningful benefits.
While AI tools like ChatGPT hold promise in expanding educational opportunities, their successful integration into learning environments requires thoughtful implementation, ongoing research, and supportive policies.
Whether society will continue to invest in and prioritize the policies and initiatives necessary for effective implementation across all students equally remains an open question.