High heels, compass, spider-man, or drug? Metaphor analysis of generative artificial intelligence in academic writing

This research employed metaphor analysis to explore 277 postgraduate students’ perceptions of the role of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in academic writing. All participants were international students, from a total of 14 countries and regions, studying in the United Kingdom. Data collection was carried out in two phases. The first was a survey comprising demographic and metaphor-related questions, and the second involved metaphor checking, in which participants provided screenshots of their interactions with GenAI. The data, which were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, yielded 53 unique metaphors for the concept of GenAI in academic writing. We divided these into four conceptual categories in what we term the 4T Pyramid Model: Technical Support (representative metaphor: high-heeled shoes), Text Development (compass), Transformative Potential (Spider-Man), and Threat (drug). The respondents’ academic disciplines influenced their perceptions of GenAI, but overall, the results suggest that most viewed it as transformative, i.e., more than just a writing tool. This study’s innovative methodology integrating metaphor analysis with real user interactions offers a framework, aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy, that reveals the multi-level benefits and potential risks of GenAI. It also provides actionable insights for AI literacy education, including strategies for effective prompt design. • Used metaphor analysis to understand students’ perceptions of GenAI across multiple disciplines. • Developed the 4T Pyramid Model: Technical Support, Text Development, Transformative Potential, and Threat. • The students’ academic disciplines influenced their perceptions of GenAI. • Most students viewed GenAI as transformative, i.e., more than just a writing tool. • Explored GenAI’s affordances in academic writing and provided a rounded perspective.