Is Generative AI a “Resource-Saving Tool” or a “Cognitive Expansion Tool”? : Focusing on AI Use and Reflection among Korean and Chinese University Students

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

Korean and Chinese university students perceive generative AI as both a resource-saving and cognitive expansion tool, but exhibit distinct usage patterns—'auxiliary outsourcing' versus 'structural outsourcing'—which are shaped by complex educational and contextual factors rather than just cultural differences. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

Bo Zhao; Myeongji Jin; Jaewoong Moon; Seohyeon Lee

doi:10.46407/kjci.2026.08.138.155

August 21, 2026한국언론정보학보

Is Generative AI a “Resource-Saving Tool” or a “Cognitive Expansion Tool”? : Focusing on AI Use and Reflection among Korean and Chinese University Students

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Key Points

To compare and analyze university students' perceptions, utilization patterns, and self-reflections regarding generative AI during creative video production tasks.
Analyzed self-reflection journals collected from university students in South Korea (N=19) and China (N=23), totaling N=42 participants.
Evaluated qualitative reflections on video creation workflows, fact-checking behaviors, and ethical concerns.
Students in both groups recognized generative AI as both a resource-saving and cognitive expansion tool while engaging in active cross-validation and fact-checking.
Korean students showed a preference for auxiliary outsourcing by using AI supplementarily after generating original ideas, whereas Chinese students favored structural outsourcing by treating AI outputs as foundational drafts to expand.
Participants expressed concerns regarding cognitive delegation, eroded critical thinking, reduced creativity, and ethical issues, emphasizing the importance of human agency.

Implication

Comparative qualitative study reveals distinct auxiliary and structural AI utilization patterns among university students, highlighting the necessity of preserving learner agency.

Discussion

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Cite This Study

Zhao et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8aae407677a341144472c3 https://doi.org/10.46407/kjci.2026.08.138.155

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Is Generative AI a “Resource-Saving Tool” or a “Cognitive Expansion Tool”? : Focusing on AI Use and Reflection among Korean and Chinese University Students

Key Points

Implication

Discussion

Cite This Study

Is Generative AI a “Resource-Saving Tool” or a “Cognitive Expansion Tool”? : Focusing on AI Use and Reflection among Korean and Chinese University Students

Key Points

Implication

Discussion

Cite This Study

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