Students Don't Want to Cheat with AI — They’re Overwhelmed

NyMag's recent article “​​Everyone Is Cheating Their Way Through College” has set the internet alight. But is it really true that everyone is cheating in their studies? We decided to find out. We surveyed students about their use of AI and the motivations behind it. The data reveals a pressing challenge: students are using AI tools in ways that may break academic rules, not because they want to cheat, but because they feel overwhelmed, overworked, and unclear about what’s allowed.

Key finding 1: more than half of students admit to “rule-bending” with AI

In a survey of 413 students, when asked if they’ve used AI in ways that might break official academic rules:

• 30% said “Yes, sometimes”

• 26% said “Yes, often”

• 10% said they were “Unsure of the rules”

• Just 33% said “No, never”

That means 66% of students either have used AI in questionable ways or are unclear where the lines are drawn.

Key finding 2: the root cause is academic pressure, not peer influence

In a second survey of 759 students, Quizgecko asked: “Why might students bend academic rules with AI?”

The results:

• 50% — Grade pressure

• 32% — Heavy workload

• 11% — Task seems pointless

• Only 8% — Because others do it

This is a striking contrast to popular assumptions. The majority of students don’t misuse AI out of laziness or peer pressure — they’re navigating an education system and culture that’s pushing them to the brink.

The takeaway: this isn’t a cheating crisis — it’s a systemic warning sign.

These findings reveal a troubling reality:

• Students are turning to AI not out of defiance, but as a coping mechanism

• Many don’t even know where the ethical line is drawn

• The root cause isn't technology — it’s the pressure cooker of modern education.

If schools want to prevent misuse, they need more than detection tools. They need clarity, support, and meaningful learning experiences.

How schools can help: a shift toward clarity and engagement

Educators have an opportunity to reframe the narrative around AI. Instead of simply punishing misuse, they can:

✅ Clarify AI usage policies to reduce confusion
✅ Reduce pressure by emphasizing growth over grades
✅ Design meaningful assignments that encourage engagement
✅ Integrate AI responsibly as a support tool, not a workaround.

Quizgecko’s role in the solution

At Quizgecko, we help educators harness AI to create engaging, personalized learning experiences — from auto-generated quizzes to adaptive study materials. Our mission is to ensure AI is used responsibly and ethically to support learning, not shortcut it. To run surveys like this, use a tool like Responsly.

By giving students tools that make learning more relevant and less stressful, we can help reduce the very pressures that drive AI misuse in the first place.

The conversation about AI in schools often focuses on catching and chastising cheaters. But our data shows that most students are under pressure and unsure of the rules. It’s time to move from punishment to prevention — and that starts with making learning more meaningful and supportive.

About Quizgecko

Quizgecko empowers educators and learners to harness AI responsibly for better outcomes. Our tools help teachers create personalized quizzes, study guides, and learning experiences that reduce pressure and improve engagement. We believe AI should be a trusted learning partner, not a shortcut.

Want to hear from students? Let us help.

If you're a journalist or someone who regularly comments on education topics, we'd love to hear from you. At Quizgecko, we have access to a diverse and engaged student community, and we’re happy to collaborate by posing a question of your choice to our student body. Whether you're looking for insights, quotes, or trends, just send us a message and start a conversation that brings student voices into the spotlight.