{
  "id": 6443755,
  "title": "Students perform better academically with less AI, study finds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/students-perform-better-academically-with-less-ai-study-finds",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-09T17:10:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Semafor",
    "slug": "semafor",
    "url": "https://www.semafor.com/article/09/09/2026/students-perform-better-academically-with-less-ai-study-finds"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study reveals that students achieve higher academic performance when they refrain from using AI, contradicting the belief that technology is essential for learning. The OECD researcher argues that \"students won’t learn without exercising their brains,\" similar to how physical fitness requires physical activity, not merely watching others perform. With over 760,000 students surveyed from 91 countries, the findings indicate that consuming information without cognitive effort is an ineffective educational approach.\n\nAs technology was integrated into classrooms over the past decade, some educators are now reconsidering their approach. Twenty-two states and Washington DC have implemented phone bans during school hours, and for the first time this school year, New York City and Los Angeles public schools are imposing restrictions on AI usage, affecting more than 1 million students combined. This includes New York City prohibiting teachers from using AI to grade assignments.\n\nDespite the widespread adoption of AI, reading, science, and mathematics scores have declined steadily over the past 15 years, even before the rise of AI in education. Experts suggest that learning is best facilitated offline, as was the case before the invention of personal computers. Moreover, the user-friendly nature of technology means that students often outpace their parents and teachers in understanding AI and smartphones.",
  "summary": "Students who refrain from using AI perform better academically than those who use it, according to an OECD report which surveyed more than 760,000 students across 91 countries.",
  "key_points": [
    "Students perform better academically with less AI use",
    "Over 760,000 students surveyed from 91 countries",
    "1 million students affected by AI restrictions in NYC and LA"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}