Perception of First-Year Students at the University of Panama on The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) has been progressively integrated into key sectors such as education, health, and communications, generating significant changes in everyday life. In higher education, AI offers opportunities to improve the efficiency and personalization of learning, although there are challenges in its understanding, acceptance, and ethical application. Objective: The objective of the research is to analyze the perception of first-year students at the University of Panama, Soná University Extension, on the everyday use of AI. Theoretical Framework: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that seeks to create systems capable of performing tasks that, when performed by humans, require intelligence. These tasks can range from recognizing voices, faces, and patterns in general, to understanding natural language, to making decisions and learning from experience. Method: A non-experimental, cross-sectional, quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design was used, without seeking complex causal relationships. The initial sample consisted of 45 students, of whom 32 completed the questionnaire, selected through non-probabilistic sampling for convenience and intentionality due to the problematic social situation at the time. A 20-item questionnaire was administered on a Likert scale, validated by experts, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.95. Results and Discussion: The results show that students' perceptions of AI are not uniform. The ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences between the 20 aspects evaluated. The highest ratings focused on access to devices, internet connectivity, and the usefulness of AI for problem solving, reflecting a positive attitude toward its use and availability. Research Implications: It is essential to implement educational strategies that foster critical, ethical, and practical skills in university students for the conscious and responsible use of AI in academic and everyday life. Originality/Value: This study contributes to improving students' perception of the reasonable and beneficial use of AI, because knowing their opinions implies the development of innovative teaching and learning strategies at the higher education level.