- A new study in the Science of Learning journal found that among nearly 1,500 university students in China, the most common motivation to use AI tools in the classroom was fear of shame of not fitting in or meeting expectations. While extrinsic motivations like this are bolstered by Gen Z’s desire to adapt to a changing labor market, intrinsic motivation—such as the desire to learn to use AI because it is enjoyable or useful—will help students think more critically and fuel innovation, one education professor told Fortune.
Just because Gen Z is leading the charge on integrating AI tools into their school work doesn’t mean they actually want to be.
