January 2023 Survey Finds 89% of College Students Use ChatGPT, Boosting Short-Term Performance but Harming Long-Term Comprehension

Recent reports highlight the growing use of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT among college students for academic work. A January 2023 survey found that 89% of college students had used ChatGPT to complete homework assignments, with nearly half admitting to using it on at-home tests or quizzes and 53% submitting AI-generated essays. Educators have observed that while AI assistance can improve students' short-term academic performance, it may hinder long-term comprehension. The widespread use of AI has also created challenges for students who must prove they did not rely on AI tools, raising questions about academic honesty and integrity. Discussions in various opinion pieces and student perspectives emphasize the complexities of defining and addressing AI-assisted work in education.