Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a part of everyday life, with universities increasing the number of AI courses. However, a significant portion of the younger generation still feel that using AI is a form of cheating or considers it a tool for their lazy peers.
A new study by laptop and tech retailer Currys has taken a closer look at how AI is impacting current and recent students’ approach to studying, as they’re the generation that has grown up with smartphones.
The survey, which included nearly 1,000 UK students and recent graduates, revealed that the majority (67%) found AI to be beneficial to their studies, with nearly a quarter (24%) admitting to using the technology to complete a university assignment.
Despite this, almost four in ten (37%) respondents said they have chosen to avoid using AI during university, while half (50%) believe that students who do use AI are lazy.
Top three uses for AI: researching, summarising content, and writing
Nearly half (47%) of students who use AI apps for studying rely on it for researching and gathering information. In fact, 61% said they use apps like ChatGPT-4 or Perplexity to help with these tasks, saving time they would otherwise spend browsing the internet or visiting the library to gather information.
Almost two in five (39%) students use AI apps to summarise content, while nearly a third (29%) use AI as a writing assistant. Just over half (52%) use tools like Grammarly or Quillbot to assist with writing.
| Rank | Use of AI | % respondents |
| 1 | Researching and gathering information | 47% |
| 2 | Summarising content | 39% |
| 3 | Writing assistance | 28% |
| 4 | Problem-solving | 27% |
| 5 | Generating study notes | 25% |
| 6 | Exam preparation | 20% |
| 6 | Learning new concepts | 20% |
| 8 | Language translation | 19% |
| 9 | Data analysis | 18% |
| 10 | Time management | 16% |
Universities today are also adapting to AI becoming a part of everyday life, with data showing that in the past five years, the number of enrolments for AI courses has tripled at UK universities.
Many universities have introduced policies regarding the use of AI by students, encouraging them to use AI tools while adhering to specific standards. For example, at Oxford University, students are guided on how to use AI responsibly as a writing aid to improve their essays.
However, as there is a fine line between using AI as a supportive tool and allowing it to do the work for the student, universities have put in place consequences for improper use.
Cheating can lead to failing a year or even being expelled out of university
Misusing AI to plagiarise is one of the biggest concerns since the technology emerged, and every fourth student (41%) still feel that using AI is akin to cheating.
For those who have used the technology to cheat, the consequences are clear. 14% of all students reported knowing a fellow student who was penalised during their studies. Repercussions have included capping marks at a pass (40%) for a module, being asked to resubmit an assignment due to an AI similarity score of less than 20% on Turnitin, and, in some cases, students have failed the module, been required to repeat the entire year, or even faced expulsion.
Students excited, curious and optimistic about AI
The majority of students (63%) believe that AI has improved their chances of succeeding in their chosen career, and three-quarters (75%) think that AI skills are essential for the future.
Overall, students view AI positively, with more than one in five (21%) feeling excited when they think about an AI-driven future. Another fifth (20%) feel curious, 18% are optimistic, and nearly one in ten (9%) feel inspired.
While most students have positive feelings towards AI’s future, one in ten (12%) feel worried and anxious, slightly fewer (9%) are sceptical, and 2% feel overwhelmed and angry. Seven per cent of all students reported feeling neutral about the future use of AI.
Full results of the study can be found HERE
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