The Impact of AI and Large Language Models on Learning : A Systematic Literature Review

Sammanfattning

The widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) in educational environments represents a change in how students learn. This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the primary educational benefits, drawbacks, and overall impact these technologies have on academic development and cognitive capabilities. Through a thematic analysis of 32 peer-reviewed studies published between 2022 and 2026 taken from Scopus, ScienceDirect and IEEE, this study reveals a complex duality in AI-assisted learning. Evidence consistently demonstrates that these tools can function as highly effective personalized tutors, enhancing learning efficiency, student motivation, and short-term academic performance. However, these benefits also come with risks, including academic dishonesty, AI hallucinations, and the widening of the digital divide. The literature also warns that overreliance on these tools can lead to cognitive offloading and hollow learning, where students passively engage with material at the expense of independent critical thinking. The study concludes that while AI is able to provide significant academic efficiency, safeguarding long-term cognitive development requires pedagogical frameworks that prioritize structured guidance and human oversight.