Education isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days when the Peripatetics strolled alongside their teacher Aristotle as he philosophized. Also gone are the scribbled notes hastily written by hand while the professor lectured. Technology has changed everything. More and more students now take notes on their laptops, access digital bibliographies, and, of course, turn to the internet for help—including ordering custom essays.
The Rise of Online Essay Writing Services
Websites offering to purchase a paper writing service, like PaperWriter, have multiplied to meet an underlying need in this new generation of students. While these platforms come in a wide variety, they offer two major advantages:
- Accessibility and convenience. Essay writing services make it easy for students to connect with professionals online who can guide them, help them with their assignments, or even write entire essays quickly and conveniently.
- A wide range of options. These platforms boast a diverse pool of professionals. Students can find experts who specialize in everything from grammar and style corrections to in-depth research and writing assistance for more complex projects.
In the fast-paced world we live in—where everything is expected at the click of a button—these benefits are more than enough to tempt students to try out essay writing services. But there are many other reasons behind their decision.
It’s Not Just Laziness: Why Are Students Turning to Custom Essays?
The growing demand for custom essay services among college students has sparked debate about the reasons behind this trend. At first glance, it might seem like a simple shortcut to meet academic demands, but a deeper analysis reveals that students often seek out these services for more complex reasons. These reasons not only highlight the challenges of learning but also raise questions about the academic support they are receiving.
- Pressure to Get High Grades
The academic environment is more competitive than ever, leaving many students feeling intense pressure to achieve top grades. While there are ethical concerns surrounding the use of custom essay services, many students see them as a way to meet high expectations when they simply can’t keep up.
Whether it’s family expectations to maintain good grades, secure scholarships, or get into prestigious programs, students often feel they must perform at their absolute best, all the time. This relentless pressure can lead to anxiety and stress, pushing them to seek outside help to avoid letting others down.
In fact, The American Institute of Stress reports that 40% of U.S. college students feel tired almost every day, and 45% are highly stressed. In the UK, the situation is even more dire, with 80% of university students reporting stress and anxiety.
- Struggles with Time Management
Some students don’t turn to essay writing services out of laziness, but because they simply don’t have enough time—especially those juggling part-time jobs alongside their studies. Of course, procrastination and poor time management play a role for some, leaving them in a panic as deadlines loom.
However, it’s also true that the volume of academic assignments has significantly increased, leaving students feeling overwhelmed. A national survey in the Netherlands found that nearly 4 in 10 students believe their academic workload is too heavy.
This is a common situation in universities around the world, as other studies have shown. Students have to juggle multiple tasks to meet deadlines, and in some cases, external help is the only way to manage everything on time.
- Lack of Writing Skills
Not every student has mastered the skills needed to write a good essay. A student might excel in programming, chemistry, or quantum physics, but struggle to convey that knowledge in a research paper. Writing an essay or academic article requires a wide range of skills beyond technical expertise, from grammar to the ability to synthesize information clearly and concisely.
This challenge is even greater for students facing language barriers, as they may need to write in a language that isn’t their native tongue. In fact, research from the University of Alberta found that the language skills required for academic success present varying levels of difficulty for native and non-native speakers, which can affect their academic performance.
Additionally, many students find it difficult to structure an essay, especially early in their academic careers, when they are still learning the ropes of academic writing. This lack of confidence drives them to seek professional help to improve the quality and clarity of their work.
- Need for Practical Models or Guidance
Some students turn to these platforms not for a final product but to gain examples or structures to guide them through their own learning process. They use these essays as a starting point to better organize their ideas, check proper citation formats, or learn how to integrate sources smoothly into their own writing.
Others seek help when faced with writing new types of essays, like argumentative, expository, or research essays. Having a well-crafted example gives them a clear guide on how to approach these formats and meet academic standards.
In this regard, it’s worth noting that a study from the University of Adelaide found that the current model, where professors dedicate only 20% of their time to administrative tasks and student services—such as advising, mentoring, and supervising projects—falls short of meeting actual student needs. Ideally, professors would dedicate about 35% of their time to these activities.
Toward a New Teaching Model that Eases Ethical Concerns
There’s no doubt that the surge in custom essay services has raised ethical questions. Educational institutions have strict policies against plagiarism, and passing off someone else’s work as your own isn’t ethical.
However, there’s also concern that these services might hinder the development of essential writing and research skills. Many students, though, view them as an opportunity to learn more effective academic writing techniques, craft stronger arguments, or explore the nuances of thorough research.
One thing is certain: technology has not only changed how we teach but is also revolutionizing how we learn. The rise of AI poses similar challenges in the classroom. Trying to stop its progress would be like trying to hold back the ocean. Instead, we should reconsider evaluation methods and promote more personalized learning experiences.
As a former university professor, I always sought to ignite a passion for knowledge and curiosity in my students. If a student finds an assignment engaging and relevant to their education, they’re far less likely to turn to external help. And if they do, they’ll use it as a springboard for their own learning, turning essay writing services or AI into a genuine, ethical support tool rather than a crutch.
References:
Berman, R. & Cheng, L. (2001) English academic language skills: Perceived difficulties by undergraduate and graduate students, and their academic achievement. The Canadian Journal of Applied Linguistics; 4(1-2): 25-40.
Yangdon, K. et. Al. (2021) Well-being and academic workload: Perceptions of Science and technology students Karma. Educational Research and Reviews; 16(11): 418-427.
Miller, J. (2019) Where does the time go? An academic workload case study at an Australian university. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management; 41(2):1-13.
