The Relationship between Using AI Chatbots in Learning and Students' Intellectual Independence 2.0

While AI chatbots enhance educational efficiency, over-reliance risks triggering shallow learning patterns among students. This quantitative study aims to examine the empirical impact of AI chatbot usage intensity on university students' critical thinking and intellectual autonomy in Indonesia. The literature focuses on chatbots acting as adaptive cognitive partners that influence self-regulation and higher-order thinking skills. Findings indicate that while chatbots significantly improve conceptual understanding, undisciplined usage limits deep analytical reasoning and independent learning responsibility. Consequently, higher education institutions must formulate wise, proportional technology integration strategies to sustain students' long-term intellectual autonomy.