# Preply report finds AI speeds learning but fails to boost real-world skills

Digest AI · Society & Work · published 2026-10-01T06:00:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/preply-report-finds-ai-speeds-learning-but-fails-to-boost-real-world-s

## Summary

Preply’s first annual *Progress Report* shows AI tools are widely used by professionals but do not guarantee skill mastery. The company surveyed 5,050 working adults across nine countries in June 2026, finding 88% use AI for learning.

AI’s role is shifting from lead to support. Respondents preferred human feedback (46%) and clear goals (44%) over AI reminders (18%) for consistency. Preply argues employers must move beyond tracking time spent or course completions, instead testing whether employees can perform skills independently in realistic scenarios. The study highlights a broader tension: AI lowers the friction of accessing information, but learning still requires practice, feedback, and real-world application.

## Key points

- 88% of 5,050 surveyed professionals use AI for learning, per Preply’s 2026 report
- 49% maintain learning routines but struggle to apply skills in real-world situations
- Gen Z shows highest AI adoption (92%) but also largest gap between learning and performance

## Why it matters

The report challenges assumptions that AI usage equals skill improvement, urging employers to design learning programs that test real-world application—not just tool engagement.

## Sources

1. [Preply Study Finds AI Is Expanding Learning—But Not Real-World Mastery](https://unite.ai/preply-ai-learning-progress-gap-study) (Unite.AI, 2026-10-01)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Preply report finds AI speeds learning but fails to boost real-world skills", 1 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/preply-report-finds-ai-speeds-learning-but-fails-to-boost-real-world-s

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