University Students’ Attitudes Toward ChatGPT Profiles and Their Relation to ChatGPT Intentions

ChatGPT, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) tool with the potential to transform education, has gained global recognition. Learners' attitudes toward new technologies significantly influence their use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT. However, variable-centered studies struggle to fully capture potential heterogeneity attitudes. This study employed a person-centered approach (latent profile analysis) and thematic analysis to uncover students' attitudes and behavioral intentions regarding ChatGPT. Utilizing a meticulous stratified random sampling approach, this study conducted a mixed-method study based on representative data from 850 Chinese university students, revealing three profiles: Positive Embracers, Cautious Rational Optimism, and Complex Attitudinal Profile. Of the participants, 80.2% showed Cautious Rational Optimism profile, where Positive Embracers showed notably higher ChatGPT intentions. These findings emphasize the need for multidimensional approaches when studying university students' ChatGPT attitudes. This study is the first to explore and uncover attitude diversity, offering new directions and strong evidence for future research and education.