Study: Young users (9 to 18Y) ditch Google for AI, with unknown consequences
2 hours ago
- Researchers analyzed 173 studies on generative AI in education, finding a 'dual effect' where AI can either support critical thinking or lead to overdependence and superficial learning.
- A major knowledge gap exists: 80% of studies involved university students, leaving little understanding of how AI affects children and young teenagers.
- Studies lacked objectivity (relying on self-reports) and had geographic bias, with strong representation from Asia and underrepresentation from Africa, South America, and Central Asia.
- Young users are shifting from Google to AI, with Google searches dropping from 72% (2024) to 47% (2026) among 9- to 18-year-olds in Norway, and websites like ung.no losing traffic.
- Teacher education has a dual task: training teachers to use AI critically and to teach students how to use it as a tool, not a replacement for thinking.
- Uncritical AI use risks increasing disparities and weakening problem-solving skills, while proper use can strengthen them.