Determinants of Students’ Intention to Use AI-Powered Writing Tools in Academic Writing

The increasing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools by students has significantly transformed various aspects of education, particularly academic writing. This research investigates the factors that affect students’ intention to use AI-based writing tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity in their academic work. Guided by the Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM), a survey involving 219 university students was conducted to assess their views on perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, perceived technicality, and perceived cost. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS software version 4.1.0.9. The results indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment strongly impact students’ willingness to use AI tools, whereas perceived technicality and perceived cost have no significant effect. These outcomes imply that universities should develop clear policies for responsible AI use while leveraging its potential to support students’ academic development.