The Domestication of ChatGPT by University Students

ChatGPT can potentially enhance University students’ learning experience. While controversy prevail around the use of this tool within the education setting, it is imperative to explore how university students domesticate ChatGPT to improve pedagogies. This study explored how students domesticate ChatGPT for academic purposes, and found that during commodification, strategies to promote the adoption of the tool are driven by the tool’s design and social media campaigns. This is further supported by students’ Fear of Missing Out and Word of Mouth. During appropriation, students’ use of the tool is characterised by autonomy and self-reliance. ChatGPT is used as a creative buddy, a study buddy and a feedback buddy. ChatGPT also contributes to improving students’ mental health. Lastly, conversion revealed that students recognise the ethical considerations around ChatGPT. Overall, this research emphasises the need for a collaborative approach to ChatGPT integration in education, preserving human experience at the core of learning.