Students Value Human Skills Over AI in New Report
A new global study reveals that most students prioritize traditional leadership skills over artificial intelligence literacy.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Education — General
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Do you believe using artificial intelligence tools reduces the ability of students to learn deeply?
The HP Futures 2026 report, which surveyed over 6,000 students globally, indicates that many learners remain skeptical about the benefits of AI in education. While students feel prepared for their future careers, they are increasingly concerned that AI may hinder deep learning.
Why it matters
The report suggests a disconnect between the rapid integration of AI tools and student preference for traditional, analogue learning methods. Educators are encouraged to shift toward curricula that emphasize durable human skills to better equip students for the modern job market.
A survey of over 6,000 students found that 61% of UK students worry that AI reduces learning depth. Additionally, 49% of UK students still prefer printing or handwriting to retain information, compared to only 18% who utilize AI summaries.
The players
HP
HP is a global technology company that commissioned the HP Futures 2026 report to analyze the impact of emerging technologies on global educational standards.
The details
The report incorporated findings from 58 experts in education, policy, and workforce development to address the evolving role of technology in classrooms. Researchers found that while 65% of students feel prepared for the workforce, a majority remain unconvinced that AI creates more opportunities than it removes.
Timeline
The HP Futures 2026 report was released in 2026.
Culture Shift
This study highlights a pushback against digital-first learning, mirroring the broader societal trend toward prioritizing human-centric skills in an automated economy. It marks a departure from the assumption that tech-native students will universally embrace AI integration in their educational environments.
Students may find that adopting analogue note-taking methods like handwriting remains a more effective study habit than relying on AI-generated summaries. Educators should anticipate a growing demand for curricula that explicitly teach interpersonal leadership as a competitive professional advantage.
The takeaway
Students are seeking a balance between digital efficiency and deep, human-led learning strategies. Incorporating both traditional writing methods and leadership training can help students better navigate the transition into AI-augmented workplaces.
Further reading
Explore more findings on the evolution of classrooms in the Education — General section.
More information
Access the complete data and expert insights in the Full HP Futures 2026 report.
Live Poll
Do you believe using artificial intelligence tools reduces the ability of students to learn deeply?
