Ethical Awareness of Artificial Intelligence Use Among Chinese University Students

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools—particularly generative AI such as ChatGPT—have seen rapid adoption among university students globally, prompting growing concern about their ethical implications. This paper investigates the ethical awareness of AI use among Chinese university students by analyzing recent survey data and applying theoretical frameworks from behavioral and moral psychology. Findings suggest that while many students are actively using AI tools in their academic work, ethical awareness varies considerably, often in the absence of clear institutional guidelines. Key factors influencing ethical behavior include students’ attitudes, social norms, AI literacy, and the presence of academic integrity policies. Although educational interventions have shown some potential in improving students’ ethical reasoning, external pressures such as peer influence and academic competition may still lead to misuse. The study underscores the importance of integrating AI ethics into higher education curricula and establishing supportive environments to promote responsible AI use. These findings offer guidance for universities and policymakers seeking to foster a culture of ethical engagement with AI in academia.