Beyond the hype: unpacking Italian university students’ engagement with generative AI for learning and academic integrity

The rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) is reshaping higher education by influencing how university students access, process, and apply knowledge. This study explores university students’ perceptions and usage patterns of GAI, with a specific focus on ChatGPT, through a large-scale survey of 1,366 students from 24 Italian universities. Employing cluster analysis, the research identifies four distinct student groups based on their digital skills and attitudes toward GAI: Indifferent, Fearful, Pragmatics, and Enthusiasts. Findings indicate significant variations in students’ engagement with GAI, with factors such as gender, degree programs, and technological proficiency shaping their perspectives. While some students embrace AI as a valuable educational tool, others express ethical and academic integrity concerns. Notably, digital competence correlates with AI adoption, with STEM students exhibiting higher engagement. The study highlights the need for universities to address both the opportunities and challenges of GAI, proposing evidence-based policies to foster responsible integration into academic settings. By providing a nuanced understanding of student interactions with AI, this research aims to inform pedagogical strategies and regulatory frameworks to balance innovation with ethical considerations in higher education.