AI as a New Academic Ally: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Students' Learning Habits

Abstract

This study investigates the adoption and usage of ChatGPT by college students in educational settings. The analysis uses a four-stage business analytics framework to look at usage, trust, confidence, motivation, acceptance, and verification patterns using survey data from 203 respondents in a variety of disciplines. The findings highlight ChatGPT's function as a tool for improving comprehension and self-assurance by demonstrating that the three strongest predictors of frequent use are understanding, trust, and confidence. The tension between critical evaluation and reliance on AI is highlighted by the fact that motivation plays a secondary role, and verification is largely irrelevant and negatively associated with trust. According to the research, generative AI works best when viewed as an academic ally that promotes learning and introspection rather than taking the place of critical thinking. The study provides context-bound findings that inform hypotheses for larger cross-institutional and cross-national research because of its single-country sample. The paper highlights recommendations to universities to foster AI literacy, safeguard the crucial academic integrity, and integrate ChatGPT into teaching practices responsibly and effectively.