Exploring the Opportunities and Threats of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academia: A Quantitative Analysis
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education, Generative AI, Ethics, Institutional Readiness, Academic Roles, Technology Adoption, Teaching and Research, AI Perceptions, Educational Technology, AI AdoptionAbstract
This study explores academic stakeholders’ perceptions, usage patterns, and ethical considerations regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education. With the rise of Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, understanding their influence on teaching, research, and governance is critical. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving participants across faculty, students, staff and administrators. Descriptive and inferential statistics revealed that the perceived impact of AI on research and teaching significantly predicted AI usage. Ethical concerns varied significantly by academic role, with undergraduates and early-career researchers expressing greater apprehension. Strong correlations between ethical concern and support for regulation further emphasized the demand for institutional policies. The findings suggest that functional value drives AI adoption more than ethical or demographic factors. This research underscores the need for tailored policies, AI literacy training, and stakeholder-specific strategies to guide AI’s responsible integration into academia.
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