Oregon State study raises concerns about AI’s impact on student thinking skills
Oregon State study raises concerns about AI’s impact on student thinking skills
Publish Date: 2026-05-29 18:02:00
Source Domain: katu.com
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday education, but a new study from Oregon State University is raising concerns about what researchers say could be an unintended side effect: declining critical thinking skills.
Researchers say the issue is not simply students using AI tools. Instead, they warn students may be relying on technology so heavily that they stop fully engaging in the learning process. The discussion comes as schools across the country continue introducing AI into classrooms. Portland Public Schools recently rolled out a new guidebook designed to help teachers and students navigate the rapidly evolving technology.
READ MORE | Families raise concerns after Portland Public Schools roll out AI guidebook
District leaders say the goal is to create flexible guidance that can adapt as AI continues to change. Researchers at Oregon State University wanted to better understand how students interact with generative AI tools and whether heavy dependence could affect cognition and learning habits.
Graduate researcher, Rudrajit Choudhuri and faculty advisor Anita Sarma found that students who rely heavily on AI often begin using it as a replacement for learning rather than as a tool to support it.
Graduate researcher Rudrajit Choudhuri found that students who rely heavily on AI often begin using it as a replacement for learning rather than as a tool to support it. (KATU)
One of the study’s more surprising findings involved students who are especially comfortable with technology.
Researchers found tech-savvy students appeared more likely to experience the negative effects tied to excessive AI dependence, challenging assumptions about what AI literacy should look like.
The study describes the behavior as “cognitive offloading,” where students outsource mental effort to AI instead of working through concepts on their own.
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday education, but a new study from Oregon…
