A recent survey by the Pew Research Center has found that a significant number of Gen Z teenagers are turning to ChatGPT, OpenAI's AI-powered chatbot, to complete their schoolwork. The survey, which polled over 1,400 US-based teens aged 13-17, revealed that 26% of respondents have used ChatGPT for homework or other school-related assignments, a figure that has doubled since 2023.

The survey also shed light on the ways in which teens are using ChatGPT. A majority (54%) of respondents believed it was acceptable to use the AI tool for researching new subjects, while 29% thought it was acceptable for math problems, and 18% for writing essays. However, experts have raised concerns about the limitations of ChatGPT, which can fall short in areas such as math and factual accuracy.

Studies have shown that ChatGPT is not reliable for math problems, and its performance is only slightly better than random guessing. Moreover, the AI model powering ChatGPT has been found to be weakest in areas such as social mobility and geopolitics, which are relevant to the demographics of teens who report using it the most in school. According to the Pew survey, Black and Hispanic teens are more likely than white teens to use ChatGPT for school-related work.

Research on the pedagogical impact of ChatGPT is mixed. A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that Turkish high school students with access to ChatGPT performed worse on a math test than students without access. Another study observed that German students using ChatGPT were able to find research materials more easily but tended to synthesize those materials less skillfully than their non-ChatGPT-using peers.

The increasing reliance on ChatGPT among teens has sparked concerns among educators. A separate Pew poll last year found that a quarter of public K-12 teachers believe that using AI tools like ChatGPT in education does more harm than good. Meanwhile, a survey by the Rand Corporation and the Center on Reinventing Public Education found that only 18% of K-12 educators use AI in their classrooms.

The findings of the Pew survey raise important questions about the role of AI in education and the potential consequences of relying on ChatGPT for schoolwork. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is essential for educators, policymakers, and parents to consider the implications of AI on learning outcomes and the development of critical thinking skills.

In conclusion, the increasing use of ChatGPT among Gen Z teens highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of AI's potential and limitations in education. While AI tools may offer convenience and efficiency, they also pose risks to the integrity of academic work and the development of essential skills. As the education sector continues to grapple with the implications of AI, it is crucial to prioritize a balanced approach that leverages the benefits of technology while promoting critical thinking, creativity, and academic integrity.