INFLUENCE OF AI WRITING TOOLS ON STUDENTS’ LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE

Abstract

This research explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) writing tools on students' language proficiency, in particular their grammar, vocabulary, coherence, writing quality and independent writing skills. This study employed a quantitative research design, with 150 undergraduate students from Karachi and Hyderabad. The study used a questionnaire to assess the use of AI and two writing tasks under the use and non-use of AI. Data were analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, linear regression, paired sample t-test and Pearson correlation. The results indicate that using AI writing tools has a positive impact on students' language ability, including their ability to use accurate grammar, develop rich vocabulary, and produce better quality writing. The quality of students' writing was better with the assistance of AI tools than without them. But the findings also show a strong negative association between the use of AI and independent writing skills, implying that over-reliance on AI writing tools may lead to a decline in students' independent writing skills. These results indicate the mixed effects of AI writing tools, with evidence that while they improve surface writing skills, they negatively affect language learning and development, as well as independent learning ability. This research highlights the importance of judicious use of AI tools in classrooms to harness the potential benefits while avoiding potential pitfalls. The findings offer valuable guidance for teachers, students, and policymakers on how to best incorporate AI tools in academic writing.