The AI Homework Crisis: How ChatGPT Is Eroding Student Literacy
For months, teachers have been struggling with a growing problem: students are increasingly relying on large language models like ChatGPT to complete their homework. This trend, part of a broader shift toward screen-based learning, has reached a tipping point. Experts are now calling it a crisis in student literacy, as reading skills among children in the US plummet to historic lows.
The issue isn’t limited to K-12 education. University professors report that incoming college students are arriving with weaker reading and writing abilities than ever before. The convenience of AI-generated answers is creating a generation of learners who struggle to think critically or engage deeply with texts.
The problem goes beyond just cheating. When students use AI to complete assignments, they miss out on the cognitive benefits of working through problems themselves. Reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and even basic writing skills suffer as a result. Some educators worry that this dependency on AI could have long-term consequences, leaving students unprepared for higher education and the workforce.
While AI tools like ChatGPT offer undeniable benefits—such as instant access to information and assistance with complex topics—their misuse in education raises serious concerns. Schools are now grappling with how to integrate AI responsibly without undermining foundational skills. Some have implemented stricter policies on AI use, while others are redesigning assignments to make them harder to outsource.
The challenge is finding a balance. AI isn’t going away, and outright bans may not be effective. Instead, educators must teach students how to use these tools ethically while still developing their own critical thinking abilities. The future of education may depend on striking this delicate equilibrium—before the literacy crisis deepens even further.
