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The chat dilemma: Usefulness, risk, ethics, and student intentions to use generative AI in higher education

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  • Jurcec, Lana
  • Kolega, Maja
  • Miljkovic Krecar, Irena

Abstract

Academic integrity has been a salient challenge in higher education since the early emergence of generative AI tools and remains a pressing issue as students and institutions continue to negotiate norms for their ethical academic use. This study tested an AI-adapted educational TAM framework with ethical and learning-risk extensions among early student users of ChatGPT. A total of 500 Croatian university students completed a self-report questionnaire assessing Ease and Reliability of Use, Learning Usefulness and Engagement, Perceived Learning Risks, Ethical Concerns, and Intention to Use ChatGPT for Homework Assignments. MANCOVA revealed significant differences across user profiles. Homework Users reported more favorable evaluations, including higher ease and reliability, learning usefulness and engagement, and intention to use, together with lower perceived risks and ethical concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Jurcec, Lana & Kolega, Maja & Miljkovic Krecar, Irena, 2026. "The chat dilemma: Usefulness, risk, ethics, and student intentions to use generative AI in higher education," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:87:y:2026:i:c:s0160791x26002162
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2026.103427
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