The impact of using chatgpt on academic writing among english as a second language (ESL) students

Abstract

Academic writing is a crucial skill in higher education, yet ESL students often struggle with linguistic barriers, grammatical accuracy, and structural coherence. With the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), tools such as ChatGPT have emerged as potential aids in overcoming these challenges. This study explores the impact of using ChatGPT on academic writing among ESL students, focusing on their perceptions, experiences, and challenges encountered during its integration into their writing practices. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with seven ESL students from higher education institutions in Malaysia. Thematic analysis was used to examine the collected data and identify key themes. Findings reveal that ChatGPT enhances writing skills by improving grammar, refining sentence structures, and expanding vocabulary. Additionally, it increases students’ confidence in writing and facilitates engagement with complex academic texts. However, several concerns arise, including plagiarism risks, inaccuracies in AI-generated content, and potential over-reliance, which may hinder students’ ability to develop independent writing skills. This study highlights the need for a balanced integration of ChatGPT as a supplementary tool rather than a primary writing resource. Institutions should implement AI literacy programs to guide students in using ChatGPT ethically and effectively while preserving academic integrity. Future research should explore long-term impacts and best practices for integrating AI-assisted writing tools into ESL education.