Recent findings indicate that Google’s strong push for artificial intelligence in education has led many students to become “academically and emotionally dependent” on this technology, resulting in a noticeable decline in grades and test scores.
As pointed out in a report by the Wall Street Journal, kids are relying heavily on AI features, like Google’s AI-assisted search, to tackle problems and compose essays, which is negatively affecting their learning. This insight comes from conversations with over 60 educators, parents, and clinicians.
For instance, an eighth grader named Richard Scott from Pennsylvania shared with the Journal that his dependency on AI for completing assignments has hurt his performance, particularly during tests when he couldn’t access it.
“It slowed my thinking down,” he reflected. “During a test, when I can’t use AI, it makes it tough to think.”
Despite warnings from its own researchers about the potential mental and emotional risks posed to students, Google continues to promote its AI software, which is integrated into Chromebook laptops used in schools.
The Journal noted that it consulted current and former Google employees and reviewed various research papers regarding the effects of AI on students.
Mikel Rodriguez, a former Google research scientist, expressed concern, stating, “We’re doing this experiment on an entire generation on cognitive development, with no control group.”
AI’s proliferation is part of a broader trend, with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development reporting a global decrease in reading scores. Their survey, which involved 760,000 15-year-olds across 91 countries, showed student test scores have hit a 25-year low.
In the US, test scores dropped by 14 points from 2022, the last time such data was gathered, according to the Journal.
Students who reported using AI tools on a daily basis for schoolwork scored 20 points lower on science tests compared to those who did not use AI.
A Google representative claimed that internal research supports the idea that AI tools effectively complement traditional classroom instruction, saying, “Teachers around the world use our technology every day because it solves real classroom challenges and helps improve learning outcomes.”
An art-history teacher from Miami expressed dismay at the number of students failing their AP exam, noting that her school had recently given high schoolers access to Google’s Gemini AI chatbot.
“I had kids come to class after saying, ‘Miss, I had no clue what half the material was, I’m not going to lie to you. I’ve been using AI all year,’” the teacher, Kaitlyn Ruano, recounted.
The issue extends beyond Google, as discussions with teachers and parents revealed that OpenAI’s ChatGPT is also widely used by students.
However, Google appears to have a stronger presence in educational settings due to its efforts in building relationships within the education system.
The company claims to provide educational software to over 170 million students and educators worldwide and has a network of over 6,000 “certified” teacher “influencers” trained to use its tools effectively in classrooms.
