American students increasingly rely on AI-powered homework apps to complete their assignments, but a disturbing trend has emerged: Chinese-owned companies dominate the market. Question AI and Gauth, owned by Chinese firms Zuoyebang and ByteDance, respectively, are the two most popular AI tutoring apps in the US as of May, raising concerns about foreign influence and the potential for students to delegate their learning to artificial intelligence.
These apps use large language models like ChatGPT to provide personalized assistance to students, offering a more affordable and convenient alternative to traditional tutoring methods. However, their reliance on AI raises questions about the accuracy of the information provided and the risk of students simply outsourcing their homework without actually learning.
The success of Chinese AI tutoring apps in the US market is the result of a deliberate effort by Chinese companies to expand overseas following China’s crackdown on its private tutoring sector in 2021. As these apps gain popularity, educators are struggling to find ways to incorporate this technology into the learning process while ensuring students develop critical thinking skills.
The US government’s apparent lack of action in advancing AI education and protecting student data from potential foreign influence has raised concerns among experts. As the AI education landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for policymakers and educators to collaborate in addressing these challenges and ensuring that American students receive a high-quality education in the era of artificial intelligence.
