Generation Z’s Views on the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Accomplishing Academic Outputs
Abstract
The advent of technology has served as the fount of the emerging Artificial Intelligence tools, now often used in the field of academe benefiting students with the ease to accomplish academic tasks. While several people are confused about the different risks and benefits of using AI tools, this study highlights how students who are categorized as Generation Z view the ethical use of AI tools in accomplishing their academic outputs. A qualitative research design is used with the participation of the ten (10) AI-experienced students from WVSU - Integrated Laboratory School via purposive sampling. Despite AI’s ambivalence, results revealed that they view AI tools as a helpful tool for academic success which has a corresponding responsibility, discipline and orientation. This opens up the necessity for the institutions to provide and strengthen clear ethical guidelines, policies and digital literacy programs to preserve academic integrity as AI tools advance nowadays.
Full text article
References
Akbar, M. S. (2025). Beyond Detection: Designing AI-Resilient Assessments with Automated Feedback Tool to Foster Critical Thinking (No. arXiv:2503.23622). arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2503.23622
Al-Mansouri, J. O. (2024). The Impact of Real-Time Feedback on Optimizing Teachers’ Classroom Teaching Pace. Research and Advances in Education, 3(11), 45–48. https://doi.org/10.56397/RAE.2024.11.06
American College of Higher Educati on, Sri Lanka, & Hussain, Z. D. (2024). Forming Policies for Ethical AI Use in Academic Writing. 480–480. https://doi.org/10.54389/OOAW2024
Antal-Berbecaru, A., Larchen Costuchen, A., & Dev, S. (2024). Survey Gamification: Engaging Generation Z. Computers in the Schools, 41(4), 448–472. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2023.2271486
Balalle, H., & Pannilage, S. (2025). Reassessing academic integrity in the age of AI: A systematic literature review on AI and academic integrity. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101299
Binns, R. (2020). On the apparent conflict between individual and group fairness. Proceedings of the 2020 Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency, 514–524. https://doi.org/10.1145/3351095.3372864
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Budin-Ljøsne, I., Fredheim, N. A. G., Jevne, C. A., Kleven, B. M., Charles, M. A., Felix, J. F., Flaig, R., García, M. P., Havdahl, A., Islam, S., Kerr, S. M., Meder, I. K., Molloy, L., Morton, S. M. B., Pizzi, C., Rahman, A., Willemsen, G., Wood, D., & Harris, J. R. (2024). Participant engagement and involvement in longitudinal cohort studies: Qualitative insights from a selection of pregnancy and birth, twin, and family-based population cohort studies. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 24(1), 297. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-024-02419-8
Chan, C. K. Y. (2024). Exploring the Factors of “AI Guilt” Among Students—Are You Guilty of Using AI in Your Homework? (No. arXiv:2407.10777). arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2407.10777
Chan, C. K. Y., & Hu, W. (2023). Students’ voices on generative AI: Perceptions, benefits, and challenges in higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00411-8
Chan, C. K. Y., & Lee, K. K. W. (2023). The AI generation gap: Are Gen Z students more interested in adopting generative AI such as ChatGPT in teaching and learning than their Gen X and millennial generation teachers? Smart Learning Environments, 10(1), 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00269-3
Chetry, Dr. K. K. (2024). Transforming Education: How AI is Revolutionizing the Learning Experience. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 5(5), 6352–6356. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.5.0524.1277
Črček, N., & Patekar, J. (2023). Writing with AI: University Students’ Use of ChatGPT. Journal of Language and Education, 9(4), 128–138. https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2023.17379
Eppich, W. J., Gormley, G. J., & Teunissen, P. W. (2019). In-Depth Interviews. In D. Nestel, J. Hui, K. Kunkler, M. W. Scerbo, & A. W. Calhoun (Eds.), Healthcare Simulation Research (pp. 85–91). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26837-4_12
Fajar Husain A, Ryan Yunus, Ellen Proborini, Danang Hendrawan, Nuri Nuri, Muhammad ‘Atiq, Raka Dian Mahardi, & Sigit Prakosa A N. (2024). Peningkatan Literasi Digital Generasi Z di Era Society 5.0 Melalui Pelatihan Patitech Academy Genz Techno Camp. Aksi Nyata : Jurnal Pengabdian Sosial Dan Kemanusiaan, 1(3), 155–160. https://doi.org/10.62383/aksinyata.v1i3.340
Famaye, T., Adisa, I. O., & Irgens, G. A. (2023). To Ban or Embrace: Students’ Perceptions Towards Adopting Advanced AI Chatbots in Schools. In G. Arastoopour Irgens & S. Knight (Eds.), Advances in Quantitative Ethnography (Vol. 1895, pp. 140–154). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-47014-1_10
Gonsalves, C. (2025a). Addressing student non-compliance in AI use declarations: Implications for academic integrity and assessment in higher education. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 50(4), 592–606. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2024.2415654
Gonsalves, C. (2025b). Addressing student non-compliance in AI use declarations: Implications for academic integrity and assessment in higher education. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 50(4), 592–606. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2024.2415654
H. L. M. Mohideen. (2024). Exploring the Opportunities of Implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers: A Theoretical Approach. Journal Of Digital Learning And Distance Education, 2(10), 760–767. https://doi.org/10.56778/jdlde.v2i9.225
Hendy, S. E. (2024). An Analytical Study of the Impact of the use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies on the Values of Rural University Youth. Alexandria Science Exchange Journal, 45(3), 609–643. https://doi.org/10.21608/asejaiqjsae.2024.366379
Hosseini, M., & Resnik, D. B. (2025). Guidance needed for using artificial intelligence to screen journal submissions for misconduct. Research Ethics, 21(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/17470161241254052
Imran, M., Almusharraf, N., Abdellatif, M. S., & Abbasova, M. Y. (2024). Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Enhancing Learning Systems and Transforming Educational Paradigms. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 18(18), 34–48. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v18i18.49143
Jabar, M., Chiong-Javier, E., & Pradubmook Sherer, P. (2025a). Qualitative ethical technology assessment of artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) among filipino Gen Z members: Implications for ethics education in higher learning institutions. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 45(4), 1344–1358. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2024.2303048
Jabar, M., Chiong-Javier, E., & Pradubmook Sherer, P. (2025b). Qualitative ethical technology assessment of artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) among filipino Gen Z members: Implications for ethics education in higher learning institutions. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 45(4), 1344–1358. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2024.2303048
Johri, A., Hingle, A., & Schleiss, J. (2024). Misconceptions, Pragmatism, and Value Tensions: Evaluating Students’ Understanding and Perception of Generative AI for Education. 2024 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1109/FIE61694.2024.10893017
Ju, Q. (2023). Experimental Evidence on Negative Impact of Generative AI on Scientific Learning Outcomes (No. arXiv:2311.05629). arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2311.05629
Kaebnick, G. E., Magnus, D. C., Kao, A., Hosseini, M., Resnik, D., Dubljević, V., Rentmeester, C., & Gordijn, B. (2023). Editors’ statement on the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence technologies in scholarly journal publishing. Bioethics, 37(9), 825–828. https://doi.org/10.1111/bioe.13220
Kalyani, Dr. L. K. (2023). Revolutionizing Education: Artificial Intelligence’s Pioneering Role in Shaping Tomorrow’s Scholars. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in Arts, Science and Technology, 1(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.61778/ijmrast.v1i2.6
Kiger, M. E., & Varpio, L. (2020). Thematic analysis of qualitative data: AMEE Guide No. 131. Medical Teacher, 42(8), 846–854. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2020.1755030
Kizilcec, R. F., & Lee, H. (2020). Algorithmic Fairness in Education (Version 3). arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/ARXIV.2007.05443
Kong, W., Ning, Y., Ma, T., Song, F., Mao, Y., Yang, C., Li, X., Guo, Y., Liu, H., Shi, J., & Liu, L. (2024). Experience of undergraduate nursing students participating in artificial intelligence + project task driven learning at different stages: A qualitative study. BMC Nursing, 23(1), 314. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01982-1
Kopalle, P. K., Gangwar, M., & Uppal, A. (2024). Commentary on “AI is Changing the World: For Better or for Worse?” Journal of Macromarketing, 44(4), 886–891. https://doi.org/10.1177/02761467241290813
Kovari, A. (2025). Ethical use of ChatGPT in education—Best practices to combat AI-induced plagiarism. Frontiers in Education, 9, 1465703. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1465703
Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda., Mugizi, W., Rwothumio, J., Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda., Kanyesigye, J., & Kampala International University, Uganda. (2020). Teacher-centred pedagogical approach and student engagement at a private university in Western Uganda. Journal of Educational Research and Reviews, 8(8), 128–137. https://doi.org/10.33495/jerr_v8i8.20.154
Lishmah Dominic, M., Venkateswaran, P. S., Jahira Parveen, S., Chunduri, V., Gowri, G. U., & Shynu, T. (2024). Intelligent Systems on Learning Using Artificial Intelligence: In S. S. Rajest, S. Moccia, B. Singh, R. Regin, & J. Jeganathan (Eds.), Advances in Computational Intelligence and Robotics (pp. 99–120). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-8659-0.ch006
Miranda, J. P., Bansil, J. A., Fernando, E., Gamboa, A., Hernandez, H., Cruz, M., Dianelo, R. F., Gonzales, D., & Penecilla, E. (2024). Prevalence, Devices Used, Reasons for Use, Trust, Barriers, and Challenges in Utilizing Generative AI among Tertiary Students. 2024 2nd International Conference on Technology Innovation and Its Applications (ICTIIA), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICTIIA61827.2024.10761175
Mircioiu, C.-E. (2024). AI tools: Are they a challenge for academic integrity? Management Student Working Papers, 2. https://doi.org/10.24818/MSWP.2024.05
Munawwaroh, I., & Adeleke Adeoye, M. (2024). AI-Enhanced Learning Experiences: Moving Beyond Traditional Textbook Approaches in Global Education. Educative: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 2(3), 169–177. https://doi.org/10.70437/educative.v2i3.825
Nadim, M. A., & Di Fuccio, R. (2025). Unveiling the Potential: Artificial Intelligence’s Negative Impact on Teaching and Research Considering Ethics in Higher Education. European Journal of Education, 60(1), e12929. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12929
Nur Fitria, T. (2023). The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Education (Aied): Can Ai Replace The Teacher’s Role? Epigram (e-Journal), 20(2), 165–187. https://doi.org/10.32722/epi.v20i2.5711
Nwadiokwu, C. N. (2025). Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Transformative Religious Studies Education Curriculum in Nigeria: Teachers’ Perspectives. Journal Of Digital Learning And Distance Education, 4(3), 1593–1601. https://doi.org/10.56778/jdlde.v4i4.559
Ogalo, E. O., & Mtenzi, F. (2024). Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Tools for Learning: Academic Integrity and Ethics in Higher Education in Kenya. In G. N. Areba, B. N. Gisore, & E. W. Njurai (Eds.), Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design (pp. 1–36). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-0025-2.ch001
Özer, M., Perc, M., & Suna, H. (2024). Artificial Intelligence Bias and the Amplification of Inequalities in the Labor Market. Journal of Economy Culture and Society, 0(0), 0–0. https://doi.org/10.26650/JECS2023-1415085
Panadero, E. (2017). A Review of Self-regulated Learning: Six Models and Four Directions for Research. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 422. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00422
Perkins, M. (2023). Academic Integrity considerations of AI Large Language Models in the post-pandemic era: ChatGPT and beyond. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.53761/1.20.02.07
Pratiwi, H., Suherman, Hasruddin, & Ridha, M. (2025). Between Shortcut and Ethics: Navigating the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Academic Writing Among Indonesian Doctoral Students. European Journal of Education, 60(2), e70083. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.70083
Puche, D. J. (2024). Inteligencia Artificial Como Herramienta Educativa: Ventajas Y Desventajas Desde La Perspectiva Docente. Areté, Revista Digital Del Doctorado En Educación de La Universidad Central de Venezuela, 10(Edicion Especial), 105–120. https://doi.org/10.55560/arete.2024.20.ee.7
Ros, T., & Samuel, A. (2024). Navigating the AI Frontier: A guide for ethical academic writing. eLearn, 2024(10), 3703094.3694981. https://doi.org/10.1145/3703094.3694981
Rudolph, J., Mohamed Ismail, F. M., & Popenici, S. (2024). Higher Education’s Generative Artificial Intelligence Paradox: The Meaning of Chatbot Mania. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 21(06). https://doi.org/10.53761/54fs5e77
Shetty, N., Mala, K., S., S. B., Shenoy, R., & D’Souza, V. (2022). Consent form (p. 13598 Bytes) [Dataset]. figshare. https://doi.org/10.6084/M9.FIGSHARE.19374884
Swidan, A., Lee, S. Y., & Romdhane, S. B. (2025). College Students’ Use and Perceptions of AI Tools in the UAE: Motivations, Ethical Concerns and Institutional Guidelines. Education Sciences, 15(4), 461. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15040461
Torres, R. A. O., & Ortega-Dela Cruz, R. A. (2024). Facilitating Learning of Generation Z Learners towards Effective Remote English Language Learning. Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition, 10(2), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.31261/TAPSLA.15616
Türker, P. M., & Öztürk, M. (2024). Generative Artificial Intelligence and the 4C Learning Skills for the 21st Century: In E. Cela, N. R. Vajjhala, & M. M. Fonkam (Eds.), Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design (pp. 285–320). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-7220-3.ch011
Tusting, K. (2022). Surveys, questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. In J. Culpeper, D. Atanasova, A. Casaponsa, S. Kirkham, C. Nance, D. Van Olmen, & B. Malory, Introducing Linguistics (1st ed., pp. 413–425). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003045571-27
Villarino, R. T. (2025). Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in Rural Philippine Higher Education: Perspectives, challenges, and ethical considerations. IJERI: International Journal of Educational Research and Innovation, 23. https://doi.org/10.46661/ijeri.10909
Wang, C. (2024). The Impact of AI Application in Education on Teachers and Teaching. Arts, Culture and Language, 1(10). https://doi.org/10.61173/jzw80w71
West University of Timisoara, Romania, financial auditor, & Deliu, D. (2024). Professional Judgment and Skepticism Amidst the Interaction of Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence. Audit Financiar, 22(176), 724–741. https://doi.org/10.20869/AUDITF/2024/176/024
Williamson, B., & Eynon, R. (2020). Historical threads, missing links, and future directions in AI in education. Learning, Media and Technology, 45(3), 223–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439884.2020.1798995
Xu, Z. (2024). AI in education: Enhancing learning experiences and student outcomes. Applied and Computational Engineering, 51(1), 104–111. https://doi.org/10.54254/2755-2721/51/20241187
Yilla, B. (2024). Comparative Approach on Development and Socioeconomics of Africa: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-2403-5
Yu, C. (2024). Beyond the AI Divide: Towards an Inclusive Future Free from AI Caste Systems and AI Dalits. Thesis Commons. https://doi.org/10.31237/osf.io/g5yq2
Zastudil, C., Rogalska, M., Kapp, C., Vaughn, J., & MacNeil, S. (2023). Generative AI in Computing Education: Perspectives of Students and Instructors (No. arXiv:2308.04309). arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2308.04309
Zhang, C. (2024). AI in Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Pathways for Equitable Learning. Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, 45, 723–728. https://doi.org/10.54097/kfgp6j07
Zou, R., Xu, X., Xiaobin Hong, & Jiajin Yuan. (2020). Raw data.sav (p. 38255 Bytes) [Dataset]. figshare. https://doi.org/10.6084/M9.FIGSHARE.12579197.V1
Authors
Copyright (c) 2025 JOURNAL OF DIGITAL LEARNING AND DISTANCE EDUCATION

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="https://i.creativecommons.org/l/by/4.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />This work is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License</a>.