The use of ChatGPT in academia: perspectives of higher education students

Abstract

This study examines the perceptions of US higher education students regarding the use of ChatGPT for academic purposes. The focus is on the benefits, challenges, and pedagogical implications of its use. A survey of 252 undergraduate students revealed that ChatGPT was widely used for tasks, such as understanding complex concepts, generating ideas and structuring academic assignments, with most respondents finding it effective in enhancing academic efficiency and performance. However, significant concerns were identified, including overreliance on AI tools, potential impacts on critical thinking and ethical issues related to plagiarism and privacy. The findings emphasize the need for clear institutional policies, ethical guidelines and integration of digital literacy into curricula to ensure responsible use. While ChatGPT shows promise in improving academic outcomes, its effectiveness depends on thoughtful implementation and ongoing adaptation.