Perceptions and Use of AI in Higher Education Students: Impact on Teaching, Learning, and Ethical Considerations

ABSTRACT The present research explores AI's impact on education among Mexican undergraduate students through a non‐experimental, correlational, cross‐sectional study. A validated public questionnaire was distributed to 840 students via Google Forms from February to May 2024. Analysis revealed significant AI exposure and use patterns, primarily influenced by mass media and personal connections. Psychometric evaluations showed strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97), with PCA and clustering identifying two student profiles: a knowledgeable majority and an optimistic minority with lower formal knowledge. Significant correlations were found between AI familiarity and perceived educational impact. These findings underscore the need for integrating formal AI training into curricula to bridge the gap between enthusiasm and practical knowledge, promoting ethical and effective AI use in higher education. This study informs policy and practice for aligning AI technologies with educational goals.