For my money this seems like an extension of a core problem insofar as knowledge not really seeming essential to your everyday life. Why would you try hard in school? Is there a single sector of society that celebrates intelligence with acclaim, riches, and fame? Do you see smart politicians? Smart business leaders? Smart people surrounded by attractive people? Do the movies and shows portray intelligence + knowledge recall as a boon or a burden with a price? The most glorified smart people are probably defense contractors and finance sector quants.

College, with its enormous cost, is an investment of time and money with an ROI. If you had a choice between being in massive debt for a degree that has a chance of being financially undermined during your time studying it or a jackpot from a gambling website right out of high school which one would you choose?

Of course they don't give a shit about school. Why would you seek understanding? Why would you want to do well on an essay? Who has promised you prosperity in the future: your teacher or AI opinion-havers? AI wouldn't take root in their education in a society that values intelligence. Or at the very least, what I anticipate China is doing, is trying to put AI in a place where they teach how to use it to your advantage.