The use of artificial intelligence in schools is growing: 65% of students use it to do their homework

Here are the results of a research conducted by Tgm Research on behalf of NoPlagio

ROME – In the digital age we live in, Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing every sector, including education. New research has highlighted the increasingly significant impact that AI is having on the way Italian students tackle homework and write school papers. The research was conducted by Tgm Research on behalf of NoPlagio (www.noplagio.it) the international plagiarism prevention platform, which launched in Italy a few months ago the new service that recognizes a text written with Artificial Intelligence (AI ). The survey showed that in Italian schools, 71% of children aged 16 to 18 use AI to search for information, 60% to do homework, 33% to learn, 18% to answer tests, 21% % use it as a personal assistant (for writing emails for example), 13% for writing essays. “We do not intend to demonize the use of AI – states Chorst Klaus, one of the founders of the startup Noplagio.it, but to promote its conscious use to counteract the ignorance that could affect our children. Teachers themselves should be the first to delve into the subject in depth to guide children towards the correct use of AI. From the research, it is clear that young people are concerned about the use that can be made of AI and the need for governments to intervene in the correct management of this tool”.
In detail:

CHATGPT AND TASKS

Answering the question ‘Have you ever used ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence tools to complete tasks’, of those who answered yes to the use of AI in general, 79% of kids responded that they use them to do homework and writing essays. Sixteen-year-olds are more active than eighteen-year-olds with +3%. If we look at the geographical distribution we find 60% of the children belong to the cities of Naples and Turin followed by Milan with 56% and Rome with 53%.

ARE YOU INTENDING TO USE THE AI LIKE CHATGPT, GEMINI, ETC. IN THE FUTURE?

Kids are enthusiastic about using AI so much so that 68% of them intend to continue using it in the future. Boys are the most likely to do so with 71% versus 65% of girls. Certainly in this case the sixteen-year-olds were less proactive in future use than the eighteen-year-olds: 63% versus 71%.

PERCEPTIONS ON AI: CONCERNS AND UTILITIES

31% think that AI can be a useful tool in everyday life, but there are a good 64% of kids who say they are worried about the unlimited use that can be made of it both at school and at work . Only 4% are afraid of this discovery. The female sex stands out in this aspect with a percentage of 70%.

DOES AI MAKE YOU INCLUSIVE?

When asked, do you think that the contents produced by ChatGPT could lead to the risk of non-inclusive and prejudiced opinions. 48% think that the user could avoid this risk. 32% respond positively, stating that the content produced by algorithms follows a bias compared to mainstream content on the Internet. 19% admit they don’t know.

CHATGPT AND TRUST

54% respond that the user should be careful and not rely on the content produced by ChatGPT. 25% admit the reliability of the instrument. 18% indicate a clear answer, that one should never trust.

AI AS A SOCIAL INFLUENCER

57% of young people responded that they do not believe that AI can impose its algorithms by influencing public opinion, against 21% who believe this risk is frighteningly real, followed by another 20% convinced that it can avoid being subjugated if governments intervene with specific control and restriction policies.

COMPARISON WITH GERMANY AND SPAIN

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) by children for schoolwork and essay writing is widespread in Germany, Spain and Italy. While there is slight variation between the three countries, with 63% of kids in Germany, 70% in Spain and 65% in Italy using AI for these purposes, a common trend towards adoption can be seen of this technology in education. In particular, Spain stands out for having the highest percentage of AI use in these contexts compared to the other two countries.