What does this research mean for the field?

Generative AI tools function as a digital form of 'shadow care' that enables international students to manage everyday challenges and navigate structural vulnerabilities in the absence of adequate institutional support. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine how international students utilize generative artificial intelligence to navigate everyday pressures and institutional support deficits.

August 28, 2026Communication Research and PracticeOpen Access

‘Getting by with AI’: international students’ everyday use of Generative Artificial Intelligence as shadow care

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Authors

JKJulia KantekWestern Sydney University DJDonna JamesWestern Sydney University TAThilakshi Mallawa ArachchiWestern Sydney University

Discussion

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Implication

Qualitative study reveals international students mobilize generative AI as shadow care, highlighting structural institutional deficits.

Key Points

To examine how international students utilize generative artificial intelligence to navigate everyday pressures and institutional support deficits.
Conducted focus groups and qualitative interviews with international students in Australia.
Applied the Shadow Care Infrastructures framework to analyze generative artificial intelligence as an informal digital support mechanism.
Students actively mobilized generative AI as digital shadow care to compensate for restricted work rights, housing insecurity, and uneven institutional aid.
Engagement with AI-mediated support functioned at the intersection of care and risk, reflecting deep structural vulnerabilities rather than casual preference.

Cite This Study

Kantek et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9145c5d15324a1df3a90fa https://doi.org/10.1080/22041451.2026.2721183

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‘Getting by with AI’: international students’ everyday use of Generative Artificial Intelligence as shadow care

Discussion

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Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

‘Getting by with AI’: international students’ everyday use of Generative Artificial Intelligence as shadow care

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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