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Chatbots in Education and Research: A Critical Examination of Ethical Implications and Solutions

Author

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  • Chokri Kooli

    (Telfer School of Management, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada)

Abstract

A new era of education and research based on chatbots and artificial intelligence is quickly growing. However, the application of these new systems is associated with several challenges and limitations, mainly related to ethics. This paper explores the potential use of AI systems and chatbots in the academic field and their impact on research and education from an ethical perspective. Through a qualitative methodology, the researcher perform exploratory research and data collection based on expert analysis and interpretation. The researcher conducted a comprehensive review of the main potential challenges associated with the use of chatbots in education and research to identify current practices, challenges, and opportunities. This explorative work provides a foundational understanding of the studied topic. It also helps us to better understand the subjective experiences and perspectives of the observed phenomenon, and uncovers their meanings and proposes potential solutions to the observed issues. This study examines the advantages and limitations of AI systems and chatbots, as well as their role in supporting human expertise and judgment. The paper also discusses the ethical challenges related to the use of AI systems and chatbots in research, as well as the potential for misuse and exploitation. It also proposes effective solutions to the observed ethical dilemmas. The research admits that we live in a new era of AI-based education and research. The observed technological advancements will definitely shift research processes and transform educative systems, especially in term of assessments. Digital assessments are going to disappear and assessment methods need to be more creative and innovative. The paper highlights the necessity of adaptation to the new reality of AI systems and chatbots. Co-living, sustainability and continuous adaptation to the development of these systems will become a matter of emergency. Raising awareness, adopting appropriate legislations and solidifying ethical values will strengthen research and protect educational systems. The presence of AI systems and chatbots in education needs to be considered as an opportunity for development rather than a threat.

Suggested Citation

  • Chokri Kooli, 2023. "Chatbots in Education and Research: A Critical Examination of Ethical Implications and Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:7:p:5614-:d:1104847
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    1. Yogesh K. Dwivedi & David Wastell & Sven Laumer & Helle Zinner Henriksen & Michael D. Myers & Deborah Bunker & Amany Elbanna & M. N. Ravishankar & Shirish C. Srivastava, 2015. "Research on information systems failures and successes: Status update and future directions," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 143-157, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gemma Rose Guarin & Gena O. Jugar & Joseph T. Gudelos & Nica Anaiza O. Boco & Mercy P. Cantal & Maui April Jane P. Durano & Erika Mae P. Robel & Trisha May F. Tundag & Beatrice D. Mabitad, 2025. "Perspectives, Practices, and Challenges of ChatGPT Utilization at Eastern Visayas State University Teacher Education Department," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(1), pages 4164-4185, January.
    2. repec:acg:shchap:978-93-6163-524-3:p:1-17 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Poleac Dalia, 2024. "Design Thinking with AI," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 18(1), pages 2891-2900.
    4. Maria Karyotaki & Athanasios Drigas & Charalabos Skianis, 2024. "Contributions of the 9-Layered Model of Giftedness to the Development of a Conversational Agent for Healthy Ageing and Sustainable Living," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-18, March.
    5. Serap Kalfaoğlu, 2023. "Social Sustainability Indicators from Employees’ Perspective: A Qualitative Study on Whether Social Sustainability in Businesses Is Perceived as a Necessity, Preference, or Dream," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-15, May.
    6. Niu, Ben & Mvondo, Gustave Florentin Nkoulou, 2024. "I Am ChatGPT, the ultimate AI Chatbot! Investigating the determinants of users' loyalty and ethical usage concerns of ChatGPT," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    7. Stefan Voß, 2023. "Bus Bunching and Bus Bridging: What Can We Learn from Generative AI Tools like ChatGPT?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-19, June.
    8. Wadim Strielkowski & Veronika Grebennikova & Alexander Lisovskiy & Guzalbegim Rakhimova & Tatiana Vasileva, 2025. "AI‐driven adaptive learning for sustainable educational transformation," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(2), pages 1921-1947, April.
    9. Carlos Cacciuttolo & Yaneth Vásquez & Deyvis Cano & Fernando Valenzuela, 2023. "Research Thesis for Undergraduate Engineering Programs in the Digitalization Era: Learning Strategies and Responsible Research Conduct Road to a University Education 4.0 Paradigm," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-27, July.
    10. repec:bcp:journl:v:7:y:2023:i:6:p:306-314 is not listed on IDEAS
    11. Almaas Sultana & Nafilah Abdul Latheef & Nitha Siby & Zubair Ahmad, 2025. "Exploring Students’ Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence (AI): Psychometric Validation of AI-Attitude Scale," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(4), pages 21582440251, October.
    12. Abdulrahman M. Al-Zahrani, 2025. "Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots on Human Connection and Emotional Support Among Higher Education Students," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(2), pages 21582440251, May.
    13. Nhyl Yoland Y. Monterde & Louis Stephen C. Aliban & Rose Jean S. Ando & Renzo L. Corimo & Rayver Grant C. Catipay & Adrian M. Abarquez EdD(c), MST, LPT, 2024. "Teachers’ Perspective of AI Chatbots on Students’ Mathematical Solving Capabilities: A Grounded Theory," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 11(11), pages 181-199, November.
    14. Eugène Loos & Johanna Gröpler & Marie-Louise Sophie Goudeau, 2023. "Using ChatGPT in Education: Human Reflection on ChatGPT’s Self-Reflection," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-18, August.
    15. Sarin Sok & Kimkong Heng & Mengkorn Pum, 2025. "Investigating High School Students’ Attitudes Toward the Use of AI in Education: Evidence from Cambodia," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(3), pages 21582440251, July.
    16. Marian Oliński & Krzysztof Krukowski & Kacper Sieciński, 2024. "Bibliometric Overview of ChatGPT: New Perspectives in Social Sciences," Publications, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, March.
    17. Frensie Honeylette B. Brigola, Ph.D., 2025. "Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools among Senior High School Students: Inputs for Policy Recommendations," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 12(15), pages 1808-1815, September.
    18. Ajda Fošner, 2024. "University Students’ Attitudes and Perceptions towards AI Tools: Implications for Sustainable Educational Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-15, October.
    19. Ravichandran Krishnamoorthy & Mini Srivastava & Divita Khanna, 2025. "Mindful machines: evaluating ChatGPT’s impact on higher education," International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, Springer;The Society for Reliability, Engineering Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM),India, and Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden, vol. 16(4), pages 1632-1644, April.
    20. Ying Wang, 2025. "A Study on the Efficacy of ChatGPT-4 in Enhancing Students’ English Communication Skills," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(1), pages 21582440241, January.
    21. repec:bcp:journl:v:8:y:2024:i:9:p:3510-3521 is not listed on IDEAS
    22. Zied Bahroun & Chiraz Anane & Vian Ahmed & Andrew Zacca, 2023. "Transforming Education: A Comprehensive Review of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Educational Settings through Bibliometric and Content Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-40, August.

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