Generative AI is now part of the students’ studying life, it can be used to clarify difficult concepts, organise thoughts of projects, increase the efficiency in studying and learning, it is just like a 24/7 online tutor who can solve most of the problems correctly. However, there are also some negative effects of using generative AI. When students rely on AI more, they worry about whether they can still finish work or learn independently.
We can see that the use of AI is now becoming common compare with 2024. AI is no longer just a tool for a few students, it is gradually becoming the part of the learning methods for most of the students.The chart shows three different purpose of students using AI.
Source: HEPI, Student Generative AI Survey 2025; HEPI, Student Generative Artificial Intelligence Survey 2026
Students now use AI is not only for cheating or directly help them to generate assignments, there are many other purposes to increase their learning efficiency, including explaining concepts and structure thoughts which can be seen in the graph that has high use percentage. Those purposes help students learn knowledge faster and more correctly.
Source: Student Generative Artificial Intelligence Survey 2026
Student use or not use AI for many reasons. Some students believe AI can help them learn knowledge more effectively; While other students might less likely to use because it is uncertain or concerns about the academic integrity.
Source: Student Generative Artificial Intelligence Survey 2026
Of course there are also negative effect of using AI. In the graph we can see that the more frequently students use AI, they have the higher negative impacts, such as academic anxiety; While the positive impacts decrease, such as academic confidence and Self efficacy.
Source: Academic Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Among Adolescents and University Students: Associations with Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Academic Confidence and Anxiety
So, in this AI era, what core skills should we have? The World Economic Forum surveyed employers about the core skills they think employees need. I believe this survey shows the capabilities we cannot lose although we apply AI to solve most of the problems now.
Source: World Economic Forum, The Future of Jobs Report 2025