The Double-Edged Sword Of Artificial Intelligence: College S,. 3udents’ Experiences In Addressing Academic Challenges

AUTHOR(S)

RAYMOND B. MAGNO

ABSTRACT

— The lived experiences of ten (10) college students utilizing artificial intelligence in their coursework during the academic year 2024–2025 were investigated in this study. In particular, the phenomenological research design was employed as a qualitative research approach. The participants in the use and integration of artificial intelligence in academics experienced the following: AI in academics; AI as a solution to academic challenges; AI usage challenges and limitations; emotional reactions to AI in learning; AI’s impact on learning approaches; the role of institutions in adopting AI; ethical considerations and concerns; social dynamics and relationships; the future of AI in education; and striking a balance between AI and personal responsibility. Additionally, based on the participants’ testimonies, the following themes emerged: AI usage in academic life; AI tools as a means of overcoming academic challenges; difficulties encountered when using AI; emotions and feelings when using AI; the influence of AI tools as learning approaches; institutional support, obstacles, and restrictions; the ethical implications of using AI; the impact on relationships with classmates and teachers; and AI in influencing future learning experiences. The output of the study was (1) institutional policy on the use of AI in higher education institutions, including the addressing potential adverse effects of AI on learning and behavior; monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of AI tools; supporting the development of AI literacy among students and faculty; responsible AI usage and critical thinking; academic integrity and preventing misuse; collaboration and innovation in learning; addressing ethical use of AI tools; and fair and equal access to AI tools; and (2) and a student guide on using AI: justification, goals, and recommendations are the study’s suggested outputs. Keywords — Academic, Artificial Intelligence, Experiences, Difficulties, And Institutional Policy of College Students