A recent study has indicated that intensive use of the ChatGPT chatbot by students results in a decrease in memory capacity and a decline in academic performance. The study, dedicated to investigating this issue, revealed sharp and direct impacts of utilizing advanced artificial intelligence techniques such as the GPT model in the field of education.
According to a publication in the International Journal of Educational Technologies, researchers conducted a survey involving hundreds of university students, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, in two phases, utilizing assessments where students expressed their personal opinions.
The motivation behind this study lies in the significant growth of generative artificial intelligence technologies and tools in educational environments, alongside the growing concerns among teachers regarding the misuse of these technologies, especially concerning academic integrity. Despite that, their ability to support learning and research processes remains appreciated. Previous researches largely consisted of theoretical discussions with a lack of empirical data supporting these theoretical claims.
Dr. Mohammed Abbas, one of the research paper’s authors and a professor at the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences in Pakistan, expressed his interest in the topic, saying: “During the past year, I have observed how my students increasingly relied on generative artificial intelligence tools to complete their assigned tasks and projects, prompting me to research and investigate the reasons behind their resorting to these tools and the implications of their usage.”
To understand the correlation between excessive use of the ChatGPT robot and the decline in students’ educational levels, the study was conducted in two parts: in the first section, researchers collected responses from 165 students, who answered using an eight-level evaluation scale measuring their dependence on ChatGPT. The scale’s statements included phrases like: “I use ChatGPT to complete my academic assignments” and “ChatGPT robot is a key tool in my academic life.”
To validate the accuracy of the initial study results, researchers carried out the second phase, expanding the research scope to include a sample of 500 students. These students were interviewed three times over periods ranging from a week to two weeks.
Scientists discovered that students tended to turn to using ChatGPT extensively when feeling pressure from academic responsibilities and time constraints. These scientists noted that students increasingly relying on ChatGPT exhibited more lethargy compared to their peers, experienced a decrease in their recall abilities, and their academic performance levels significantly dropped.
The research results showed that excessive use of the ChatGPT robot led to a decrease in the intellectual effort exerted by students while performing their academic tasks, attributed to the robot’s ability to provide quick answers to various questions without considering whether these answers are of high or low quality.
Contrary to expectations, the study revealed that students who are keen on maintaining their grades and educational levels refrain from using ChatGPT to complete their academic assignments, fearing exposure of their tool usage.
For this reason, researchers emphasized the importance of cautiously employing creative artificial intelligence programs in the educational process. They pointed out that while these programs enhance the effectiveness of analyzing educational content, answering student queries, and facilitating information retrieval, excessive use of them may negatively impact students’ analytical and creative abilities.
Dr. Abbas mentioned that among his future plans is to further develop this research field to conduct more studies using various methods like experimental work to understand how intensive usage of generative artificial intelligence influences students’ performance and academic outcomes.
This study’s significance lies in opening the door to analyzing the extensive impact of using ChatGPT on students’ scientific achievements and mental well-being. Subsequent research may delve into examining the degree of influence resulting from relying on creative artificial intelligence tools on cognitive abilities, mental health, and overall educational experiences.
