Research on College Students’ Attitudes and Usage Behavior Toward AI Writing Tools: A Case Study of ChatGPT

Abstract

With the rapid development of generative AI technologies, tools like ChatGPT are increasingly used by college students for various academic writing tasks. These tools assist with grammar correction, idea generation, and full-text drafting, but also raise concerns about academic integrity, over-reliance, and ethical boundaries. This study investigates students' motivations for using AI writing tools, their ethical perspectives, and disciplinary differences in usage patterns. Using a mixed-methods approach combining surveys (n=142) and semi-structured interviews, the research examines how generative AI reshapes students’ academic behaviors and perceptions of authorship. Results reveal that while most students use ChatGPT to enhance writing efficiency and organization, they remain uncertain about ethical boundaries, particularly around rephrasing and idea generation. The study concludes by discussing implications for higher education policy and pedagogy, arguing that universities should integrate AI literacy into curricula while developing clear ethical frameworks to balance innovation with academic integrity.