The Ethical Use of AI Technology Applications Among University Students in Pahang
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Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly integrated into higher education, raising questions about how ethically students engage with such technologies. This study examines the factors that influence ethical use of AI among university students in Pahang, Malaysia. A total of 467 students from eight institutions participated in an online survey, and the responses were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Four key constructs were evaluated: perceived risk, verification intention, negative emotion, and responsible AI use. The results indicate that a higher perceived risk is associated with a stronger intention to verify AI-generated content, and that this verification intention significantly predicts responsible AI use. Negative emotions also positively influence responsible use and moderate the relationship between verification intention and responsible AI behaviour. These findings suggest that both cognitive assessments and emotional responses play significant roles in shaping how students manage AI-generated outputs and avoid unethical academic practices. This study contributes to current discourse by shifting attention from AI adoption to post-adoption ethical behaviour, demonstrating how risk perception and emotional awareness encourage verification practices and responsible engagement. The findings offer practical insights for universities aiming to promote ethical AI literacy and foster academic integrity in digital learning environments.
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