The impact of ChatGPT on learners in English academic writing: opportunities and challenges in education

Abstract This study attempts to explore the impact of ChatGPT on EFL learners’ English writing and how this benefits from it. The three research objectives are to explore the reasons why EFL learners choose to use ChatGPT for their academic English writing, to examine how it affects EFL learners’ academic English writing and define the challenges and opportunities for EFL learners using ChatGPT as an academic English writing tool. This study employed semi-structured and open-ended interviews to collect qualitative data. By thematic analysis, we found that EFL learners use ChatGPT for their academic English writing as it is convenient and caters to their needs. It also assists them since it scaffolds literacy in terms of writing fluency, content, and knowledge. Challenges for learners include: 1) possible academic plagiarism and a lack of critical thinking due to their over-reliance on the information provided by ChatGPT; 2) bias in English academic writing from the English-dominant context and pressure to pay; 3) considering and scrutinizing the authenticity of information generated in academic contexts. With its ease of use and undeniable efficiency, ChatGPT has emerged as a revolutionary tool in the realm of language learning and academic writing. However, English learners should be cautious and reflect on using this AI tool, especially for academic writing purposes.