Increased Use of AI for Homework by 2025, Affects Critical Thinking Skills
In the academic landscape, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has seen a significant increase, particularly for homework tasks. In a survey conducted by RAND’s American Youth Panel, it was found that between May and December 2025, the percentage of middle, high school, and high school students using AI for homework increased from 48 percent to 62 percent. The increase was primarily driven by middle and high school students, while the usage among college students remained relatively constant.
Student’s Perception of AI as a Learning Tool
Despite the increased reliance on AI, students are divided about its implications for their learning. Heather Schwartz, RAND vice president for Education, Employment, and Infrastructure, stated, “Students clearly embrace AI as a learning tool, but are also divided about what it means for their own learning”.
They are using AI to search for answers, get explanations, brainstorm, and revise texts. However, an increasing number of students believe that it impairs their critical thinking skills. The survey revealed that 67 percent of students said the use of AI in schoolwork affects critical thinking, an increase from 54 percent at the beginning of the year.
AI Tools Used for School-Related Activities
Beyond homework, 71 percent of students reported using at least one type of AI tool for school-related activities. Chatbots were the most commonly used tool (60%), followed by writing aids such as Grammarly or Quill (21 percent), and general homework help platforms such as Chegg, Brainly, or Course Hero (15 percent).
Students often use AI to better explain tasks, collect ideas, look up facts, and write or revise texts. The survey found that older students are more likely than younger students to use AI for these purposes, with the exception of fact-checking.
Perception of AI and Cheating
Interestingly, the use of AI is not considered cheating by most students, with the exception of getting direct answers to homework assignments. Nearly 80 percent of students believe that using AI to understand a task is not cheating, while 72 percent and 67 percent said the same about brainstorming ideas and looking up facts, respectively.
Varying Rules for AI Usage in Schools
The survey also found that many schools lack clear rules for the use of AI. Only about a third of students said their school had a school-wide policy, and many, particularly students, said rules varied by teacher. Older students were more likely to believe that their teachers had checked their homework for AI use and feared being accused of using AI to cheat.
Gender Differences in AI Usage and Perception
While male and female students are equally likely to use AI, female students expressed greater concerns about its impact. According to the survey, 75 percent of female students said AI affects critical thinking skills, compared to 59 percent of male students, and they were more likely to worry about cheating.
Heather Schwartz suggests that “schools need to be explicit about when and how AI can be used”. The results of this survey highlight the need for schools to guide students in using AI in a way that deepens their critical thinking, not undermines it.
The survey, supported by the Gates Foundation, was conducted in December 2025 and included responses from more than 1,000 students aged 12 to 29 enrolled in school during the 2025-26 school year. It is part of RAND’s American Youth Panel, a subgroup of the American Life Panel.
Melissa Kay Diliberti also contributed to the report. The RAND Division of Education, Employment, and Infrastructure aims to improve educational opportunities, economic prosperity, and civic life for all. Their analysis offers solutions to strengthen instructional quality in schools, improve the affordability and effectiveness of college and professional education, modernize infrastructure, and improve the U.S. justice system.
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