A new literature review finds that while AI can support learning, its impact on critical thinking and problem-solving in developing students remains poorly understood.
Key facts
- •The study analyzed 173 international research articles published between 2022 and the spring of 2025.
- •Of 139 studies on critical thinking, 67 reported only positive effects, 33 reported only negative effects, and 39 reported both.
- •Researchers found that 80% of existing studies focus on university-level students rather than younger pupils.
- •The study highlights the need for teacher education to focus on AI literacy and designing tasks where AI acts as a tool rather than a replacement for thinking.
- •In Norway, 39% of 11- to 12-year-olds currently use AI.
A study published in the Journal of Information Technology Education: Research reveals a significant lack of data regarding how generative AI affects younger pupils. Researchers analyzed 173 international articles and found that while AI can enhance learning, it also risks fostering overdependence and superficial thinking if used as a shortcut for answers.
By the numbers
Dual Effects of AI in Education
The review, led by Hilde Storrøsæter of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, indicates that AI technology has a dual effect on students. When used to challenge, question, and compare viewpoints, it can support critical thinking. However, when students use AI to bypass the thinking process for ready-made answers, it may weaken their independent problem-solving skills.
Research Gaps and Trends
The researchers identified three major gaps: a lack of studies focused on younger children, an over-reliance on self-reported data, and a geographical imbalance in research. Approximately 80% of the analyzed studies focused on university or college students, leaving the cognitive effects on younger, developing minds largely unexamined. Additionally, most research originated from Asia, Europe, and the U.S., with Africa, South America, and Central Asia being underrepresented.
Shifting Digital Habits
Data from the Norwegian Media Authority shows a decline in traditional search habits among young people. Google search usage among 9- to 18-year-olds in Norway dropped from 72% in 2024 to 47% in 2026. Similarly, traffic to the youth information site ung.no decreased from 24 million visits in 2024 to 18 million in 2025 as students increasingly turn to AI tools.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Phys.org.
