ChatGPT's credibility under fire: students worldwide express concerns

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A recent global study involving over 23,000 higher education students published in PLOS One, has revealed significant concerns regarding ChatGPT’s reliability, its potential to hinder critical thinking and its ethical implications, including cheating and privacy issues. The study, led by researchers from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, sought to understand students' experiences with the AI tool, shedding light on both its benefits and limitations. While many students found ChatGPT useful for brainstorming, summarizing complex texts and simplifying information, they also expressed concerns about its accuracy and its possible effect on academic integrity.

The survey found that less than one-third of students used ChatGPT for brainstorming, with a smaller percentage using it for creative writing. Despite these concerns, 70% of students reported finding ChatGPT interesting and 25% found it easier to interact with the AI than with peers. The study revealed varying perceptions based on income and geography with students in lower-income regions viewing ChatGPT as a crucial educational support tool while students in wealthier areas appreciated its advanced features. These findings suggest that understanding student perceptions can help shape educational policies and curricula, ensuring equitable access to ChatGPT’s advantages across diverse student populations.