I (do not) think, therefore, I use ChatGPT? University students’ views on plagiarism and ChatGPT

Abstract

Due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), its use in all areas of life is becoming more and more widespread. It is important to point out, however, that while AI can, in many cases, make our lives easier and shorten certain work processes, it cannot fully replace human beings and human thinking. Consequently, ChatGPT can be an important resource and aid for university students; however, university students may use ChatGPT to write up a written assignment for them. The main aim of this paper is to explore university students’ attitudes towards plagiarism and ChatGPT and these attitudes were investigated through the quantitative research paradigm using a questionnaire (n=235). The results show that the participants who participated in the study are less prone to plagiarism and relatively indifferent to ChatGPT, but also recognise the potential dangers of AI. Based on the results, a relationship between willingness to use ChatGPT and the willingness to plagiarise was identified. The findings of this research project suggest that university students’ awareness of academic integrity and the potential dangers of plagiarism and ChatGPT may be raised.