Generative Artificial Intelligence Practices Among Major Educational Groups in the United States

ABSTRACT Research on the benefits of students’ use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been notoriously mixed: some findings suggest AI use can enhance learning and development while others suggest it can be harmful. Adding to this lack of clarity is the fact that there is little available literature regarding the prevalence of AI use among students, the student factors that contribute to AI use, and the downstream effects of students’ AI usage – factors likely important for understanding the roles AI use might play in educational outcomes. Institutions report observing rapid increases in AI use among students, however associated research has not kept pace with rapid advances in AI capabilities, accessibility, and potential uses. In addition to clarifying the impacts of AI on students, institutions need this information to inform policies and effective practices regarding use of AI in education. This study summarizes the available data on generative AI usage from the 2023–2024 Healthy Minds Survey (HMS), a cross‐sectional study of United States of America (USA) college students, to address this knowledge gap.