Drivers of ChatGPT usage for academic writing in higher education: the role of perceived benefits and ethical risks

This study explores students' motivations for and against using ChatGPT in academic writing, employing Social Exchange Theory (SET) to analyze benefits and costs influencing usage. A survey of 425 students at a Mexican public university (2024) reveals diverse patterns: ChatGPT is often used to find information or rewrite ideas but rarely for summarizing or validating readings. Despite ethical concerns, perceived benefits drive usage, with no gender differences but variations by study level. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and policies to promote appropriate AI use in higher education, balancing innovation with ethical considerations.