Students globally express concerns about ChatGPT's reliability, ethical issues, and impact on critical thinking
According to a new study published in the journal PLOS One, students around the world have raised concerns about the reliability of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot. The study, which involved over 23,000 higher education students, revealed various trends in how students perceive and use ChatGPT.
Positive perceptions and limitations of ChatGPT
While prior research has suggested that ChatGPT can enhance learning, there are concerns about its potential impact on critical thinking, academic integrity, and the accuracy of its responses. The study by Dejan Ravselj and colleagues aimed to provide a broader view by conducting an anonymous online survey.
The survey results indicated that students generally have a positive view of ChatGPT. They find it valuable for tasks such as brainstorming, summarising texts, academic writing, and simplifying complex information. However, there are also concerns raised about the reliability of ChatGPT.
Interestingly, a smaller percentage of students reported using ChatGPT for brainstorming (29%) and creative writing (11%). Despite this, a majority of students (70%) expressed interest in using ChatGPT, with some finding it easier to interact with than colleagues (25%).
Varying perceptions based on sociodemographic factors
The study also found that students' perceptions of ChatGPT varied depending on sociodemographic and geographic factors. For example, students in lower-income regions were more likely to see ChatGPT as essential support due to limited educational resources. On the other hand, students in high-income regions valued ChatGPT for its innovative features.
These findings could have implications for higher education curricula and policies to ensure equitable access to the benefits of ChatGPT across different student populations. The authors suggest that future research should address the limitations of this study by tracking students' perceptions over time and including more students from low-income countries.
Overall, while ChatGPT shows promise in enhancing certain learning tasks, students and educators should remain cognizant of its limitations and the potential ethical issues surrounding its use.
Source: The Morung Express
