Challenges faced by students using ChatGPT: A qualitative study at private universities in Malaysia

The rising presence of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT is shifting the way students are involved with academic content. While many students value its capability to quickly assist with assignments, create content, and support study efforts, the practice of using ChatGPT also presents various challenges in educational settings. The purpose of this study is to explore the problems students face when depending on ChatGPT for academic work. Using data collected from 441 students at two private universities in Malaysia, a thematic analysis method was employed to identify recurring themes. The findings reveal seven central themes: concerns about accuracy and reliability, technical access issues, difficulties in crafting effective prompts, limitations in subject-specific understanding, language and communication barriers, questions of academic integrity, and emotional or cognitive effects. The results also indicate that although students recognize the tool’s usefulness, there are significant issues such as distortion of information, overdependence, ethical risks, and inadequate access. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of equipping students with improved digital literacy skills, establishing clear strategies for ethical AI use, and ensuring AI tools are adaptable to diverse academic and linguistic needs. These insights aim to promote a more responsible and balanced integration of AI in higher education, supporting students in leveraging these technologies effectively while mitigating associated risks.