America’s math and reading scores tanked after schools ditched textbooks for screens—and AI could worsen the brain rot

July 19, 2026 - 22:48

A sweeping new study from the Brookings Institute is raising alarms about the rapid digitization of American classrooms. After tracking over 500 students and educators across 50 countries, researchers concluded that the risks of artificial intelligence in education currently "overshadow its benefits." The findings come on the heels of stark national data showing that U.S. math and reading scores have cratered since many schools abandoned printed textbooks in favor of laptops, tablets, and online learning platforms.

The report suggests that the shift to screens has eroded foundational skills. Students who rely heavily on digital tools struggle with deep reading, critical thinking, and basic arithmetic without calculator apps. Teachers surveyed noted that instant access to answers and AI-generated essays discourages students from wrestling with difficult material. Instead of building resilience through problem-solving, many learners now expect quick, frictionless results.

Researchers warn that introducing more AI tools into classrooms could accelerate this decline. While proponents argue that AI can personalize lessons and help struggling students, the study found that in practice, it often leads to passive learning. Students copy AI outputs without understanding them, and teachers face an uphill battle verifying original work. The report calls for a pause on further AI integration until schools can prove that technology is genuinely improving outcomes rather than just feeding a cycle of digital dependency.