AI usage rises among US students amid concerns over critical thinking

The integration of artificial intelligence in education is creating a disconnect between efficient homework completion and academic performance. While AI tools allow students to generate outlines, solve math problems, and summarize texts with unprecedented speed, there are growing concerns that this efficiency may bypass essential learning processes, such as critical thinking and analytical development.

A RAND report highlights a significant rise in AI usage among American students from middle school through college, with usage for homework increasing from 48% to 62% between May and December 2025. Despite this surge, 67% of students surveyed expressed concern that heavy AI use harms critical-thinking skills.

Furthermore, the report indicates a lack of institutional guidance, noting that only about one-third of students reported their schools had established schoolwide policies regarding AI use. The data suggests that students are navigating a complex landscape where AI is used for various purposes, ranging from seeking explanations to obtaining direct answers, often without clear regulatory frameworks from their educational institutions.