Key facts
- 47% of young people aged 11-24 trust AI more than humans for fact-checking.
- 52% of young males trust AI more than humans for fact-checking.
- 38% of all respondents trust AI more than humans to explain concepts.
- 42% of young people believe AI has made education less important.
- 87% of young people have used an AI tool.
- The report warns educational institutions risk losing relevance due to a lack of AI adaptation.
Nearly half of young people, aged 11 to 24, trust artificial intelligence more than humans to check facts, according to a new report. A poll of 4,000 individuals found that 47% place their trust in AI for fact-checking, compared to 21% who trust humans. Among male respondents, this figure rose to 52%.
The survey, which forms part of a broader report co-authored by former Wellington College head Sir Anthony Seldon and Tim Bunting from Balderton Capital, warns that educational institutions are failing to adapt to the AI age and risk becoming irrelevant. The report highlights a growing gap between how young people are using AI and how educational systems are responding.
Further findings from the survey, conducted by Public First, indicate that 42% of young people believe AI has diminished the importance of education. A substantial 87% have used AI tools, with 37% agreeing that AI has made school too easy. Some 25% feel AI has rendered university degrees useless, and 40% anticipate AI could replace most teachers within a decade. Additionally, 25% find it acceptable for AI to advise on medical treatments, a view held by 31% of males compared to 20% of females.
The report urges the Department for Education (DfE) to take immediate action, suggesting the appointment of a taskforce to guide schools in safely integrating AI and preventing issues like students using AI for homework. It posits that failure to adapt will exacerbate the current attendance crisis, as pupils may no longer perceive lessons as relevant. The authors argue that if education continues to treat AI adaptation as optional, it will lose authority and legitimacy, potentially leading to decreased attendance and questioning of the system's requirements.