The Influence of AI Reliance Mentality on English Majors' Academic Writing Proficiency

In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools in English academic writing has become increasingly widespread, with English majors growing more reliant on them. This study focuses on the impact of AI dependence psychology on the development of academic writing skills, exploring its mechanisms and potential educational interventions. The research reveals that AI dependence affects academic writing proficiency through three pathways: cognitive, behavioral, and emotional. At the cognitive level, AI tools may accelerate the internalization of language rules but could also inhibit deep thinking. Behaviorally, over-reliance on AI may reduce independent writing practice, weakening foundational writing skills. Emotionally, while some students gain confidence from AI assistance, others experience anxiety due to stagnant skill development. Through case studies, this research highlights the paradox between "tool empowerment" and "skill degradation" and proposes educational strategies such as phased usage policies, metacognitive training, and assessment system reforms to balance AI assistance with academic writing development. The findings offer significant implications for English writing instruction, emphasizing the need to redefine writing skill cultivation in the AI era to foster critical thinking and original expression.