ChatGPT in Academic Writing: A Boon or a Bane?

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced tools like ChatGPT, transforming academic writing by streamlining tasks such as summarization, citation generation, and linguistic refinement. While it enhances efficiency and supports non-native English speakers and early-career researchers, its adoption raises ethical concerns, including risks of plagiarism, over-reliance, and diminished critical thinking. Furthermore, ChatGPT's limitations in originality, contextual understanding, and factual accuracy highlight the need for vigilant oversight and clear ethical guidelines. This paper critically examines ChatGPT’s dual role in academia, offering recommendations to maximize its benefits while maintaining scholarly integrity. When used responsibly, ChatGPT has the potential to complement human intellect and advance academic writing practices.