Conversations with a Purpose: The Impact of ChatGPT Among Higher Education Students

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are reshaping the educational landscape. Multiple international organisations are alerting about the benefits as well as risks associated with the deployment of this technology. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, a conversational AI, emerge as a notable player, offering dynamic interactions with humans. This study focuses on how this tool challenges traditional learning paradigms and how students use ChatGPT to obtain information. This study seeks to understand the extent and nature of ChatGPT's use in academic contexts based on a survey of under- and postgraduate students (n = 1,372 students) in Spain from different areas of knowledge. The questionnaire evaluates the frequency of ChatGPT usage in various academic activities, including homework, classroom interactions, and knowledge reinforcement. At the same time, students were asked how much they rely on the results obtained from the AI. The responses illustrate the moderate level of trust in ChatGPT as well as the different uses depending on the academic disciplines. The study offers revealing results on how students reflect on their own learning process, the future of education, and the role of instructors along their academic progress. A significant finding underscores ChatGPT's rise as the primary educational information source, surpassing long-established mediums like textbooks and online resources. Additionally, videos maintain a robust position as a secondary source of information. This research casts light on the shifting preferences and trends in modern educational tools, underscoring the pivotal role of AI-driven platforms in today's academic endeavours.