ChatGPT Usage and Attitudes are Driven by Perceptions of Usefulness, Ease of Use, Risks, and Psycho-Social Impact: A Study among University Students in the UAE

Abstract

Abstract Background The use of ChatGPT among university students has gained popularity. The current study aimed to assess the factors driving the attitude and usage of ChatGPT as an example of generative artificial intelligence among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods This cross-sectional study was based on a previously validated technology acceptance model (TAM)-based survey instrument termed TAME-ChatGPT. The self-administered e-survey was distributed by emails for students enrolled in UAE universities during September–December 2023 using a convenience-based approach. Assessment of the demographic, academic, and TAME-ChatGPT constructs role in ChatGPT attitude and usage was conducted using univariate followed by multivariate analyses. Results The final study sample comprised 608 participants, 91.0% of which heard of ChatGPT while 85.4% used ChatGPT before the study. Univariate analysis indicated that positive attitude to ChatGPT was associated with the three ChatGPT attitude constructs namely lower perceived risks, lower anxiety, and higher scores on the attitude to technology/social influence. For the ChatGPT usage, univariate analysis indicated that positive attitude to use was associated with being male, Arab in nationality, and lower point grade average as well as the four ChatGPT usage constructs namely higher perceived usefulness, lower perceived risks of use, higher scores on the behavior/cognitive construct and higher scores on the ease of use construct. In multivariate analysis, only TAME-ChatGPT constructs explained the variance in attitude towards ChatGPT (80.8%) and its usage (76.9%). Conclusions The findings indicated that ChatGPT usage is commonplace among university students in the UAE. The determinants of use included the perceived usefulness, lower perceived risks, cognitive and behavioral factors, perceived ease of use, while the attitude was determined by lower perceived risks, lower anxiety, and higher scores for attitude to technology/social influence. These factors should be considered for understanding the motivators for successful adoption of generative AI including ChatGPT in higher education.