Overreliance on AI Tools and Its Impact on Learning Depth Among MBA Students

The rapid proliferation of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot has significantly altered the academic landscape in higher education. This study examines the impact of overreliance on AI tools on learning depth and critical thinking among MBA students, with independent learning effort as a mediating variable. Adopting a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from MBA students using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire. Statistical analyses including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and mediation analysis were conducted. Results reveal that overreliance on AI tools has a significant negative impact on both learning depth (R² = 0.351, p < 0.001) and critical thinking (R² = 0.389, p < 0.001). Independent learning effort was found to fully mediate both relationships, highlighting that the reduction in active cognitive engagement is the primary mechanism through which AI overreliance harms academic outcomes.