New research by Yugo reveals the extent to which students are both excited – and concerned – by the powerful presence of AI in their everyday lives.

The first global student housing brand and operator surveyed over 7,000 students across nine countries to explore how students feel about AI and fully understand how they’re adapting to the new technology. Just under half of UK students (44%) are excited by AI and the multiple opportunities it presents in health, education and preventing climate change.

Crucially, AI is already proving an empowering study buddy, but ironically UK students’ enjoyment of the groundbreaking tech is compromised by substantial fears about the impact it might have on their future jobs (78%), along with an eventual decline in human intelligence (56%).

AI powered studies and benefits

Across the UK just under half of students (43%) are using AI to proof academic work and help with grammar, a third (31%) are dependent on the technology to simplify complex information and another third (31%) use it to inspire ideas. 21% are also drawing on AI to craft CVs.

Globally, AI usage is more prevalent than in the UK, with half (48%) of international students using it for proofing their work, 36% for simplifying information and 35% to help spark ideas.

Almost half of students (44%) in the UK – compared with 48% globally – feel excited about the possibilities of AI, contrasting with 21% who are worried.

54% of UK respondents (61% globally) identify productivity increases as one of the biggest advantages of AI.

An improved work-life balance is seen as a major benefit of AI for 55% of students in the UK (rising to 56% globally) – particularly amongst mature students (63%), who are more likely to be struggling to balance work, study and family life.

AI impact on intelligence and intimacy

Yugo’s research also highlights fears over the potential for wider AI-fuelled societal impacts. Beyond job and career implications, 60% of students in the UK (higher than the 59% international average) are concerned about a loss of human-to-human interaction and 59% about its impact on human intelligence.

Female students studying in the UK are particularly worried about these issues, with 65% (and 63% globally) referencing these concerns.

A third (31%) of UK students – compared with 29% globally – claim that genuine friendships will be replaced by AI companions, and 27% (up on the 23% global average) even predict that romantic relationships could be replaced by AI partners. While these findings might seem spurious, they reflect an already growing trend of consumer engagement with AI partner and friendship apps.
Dario Labrador Alonso, 20, a Computer Science undergraduate at the University of Newcastle said: “The productivity gains I’ve made through AI have enabled me to find a work/life balance at university that I never would’ve thought possible. While I don’t believe that human intelligence can easily be replaced, as a computer science student I’m concerned about the impact it will have on my career – AI is not just delivering on simple jobs, it’s doing intermediate and even advanced level tasks highly effectively.”

AI health revolution

Healthcare advancements are seen as a major upside to the new technology, with the data in the UK mirroring global views. Over half (57%) of respondents say that AI will enable advances in healthcare research and technology, and a quarter (22%) anticipate increased access to broader and more affordable mental health services. Women are especially excited by the healthcare potential (59%) afforded by AI.

The data also shows that 43% in the UK are using AI in some form to aid their own wellbeing – slightly down on the global figure of 52%.

Sunjaya Phillips, 22, a Marketing Communications Management student at Oxford Brookes University said: “AI undoubtedly provides unparalleled opportunity for society – our health services are under enormous strain and just three years ago students simply wouldn’t have had anything like the mental health and counselling help afforded by AI. This technology is democratising access to key mental health services.”

AI and cyber attacks

Political and economic threats are cited as genuine concerns across the world. Increased cybersecurity threats and the risk of AI being negatively harnessed for political purposes are feared by 56% and 50% of students respectively. The spread of fake news concerns 49% of students.

However, despite all these competing challenges, the research suggests younger generations (such as the upcoming Generation Alpha) have reason to be optimistic. Over half of students from around the world believe future generations will gain the most from AI.

Joe Persechino, Chief Operating Officer at Yugo, said: “At Yugo, we’re always striving to understand the mindset and aspirations of students living in our spaces. This research is groundbreaking in both its size and geographical reach and paints a compelling picture.

“It reveals much excitement about the potential of AI, particularly in education, healthcare and technology. But there is clear concern about its threat to students’ job prospects.

“As a globally leading brand and operator of student accommodation in the UK and the largest provider in Europe, our priority is to support students with the skills to flourish in their future careers and life beyond university. That’s why our Live Your Best Life (LYBL) programme provides workshops and training to enhance students’ lives both during and after university.”

In order to equip students with the best knowledge and practical experience of the new technology, Yugo has launched The Power of AI training which will be delivered through a series of dedicated interactive workshops and hands-on training sessions.

These online classes will form part of the YuPro pillar of Yugo’s Live Your Best Life (LYBL) programme, which offers internships, graduate opportunities, and resources to help prepare students for their future careers.