Paper Type
Complete
Paper Number
PACIS2026-1731
Description
The increasing use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in personal learning in higher education presents numerous challenges, highlighting the need for further research. This study explores the dark side of GenAI in personal learning from a cognitive perspective. Using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with university students, the study finds that creativity support, explainability, and self-regulated learning support directly shape learners’ habitual GenAI use, with such relationships moderated by learners’ trust in GenAI. The study reveals that habitual GenAI use can lead to critical thinking erosion, effort avoidance, cognitive automation, and cognitive deskilling, ultimately contributing to learners’ cognitive atrophy. By highlighting the cognitive risks, this study advances the understanding of the dark side of GenAI use in personal learning and offers practical insights for promoting its sustainable use.
Recommended Citation
Hamad, Wahid; Deng, Hepu; and Hossain, Mohammad Alamgir, "The Dark Side of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Personal Learning: A Cognitive Perspective" (2026). PACIS 2026 Proceedings. 10.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2026/is_education/is_education/10
The Dark Side of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Personal Learning: A Cognitive Perspective
The increasing use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in personal learning in higher education presents numerous challenges, highlighting the need for further research. This study explores the dark side of GenAI in personal learning from a cognitive perspective. Using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with university students, the study finds that creativity support, explainability, and self-regulated learning support directly shape learners’ habitual GenAI use, with such relationships moderated by learners’ trust in GenAI. The study reveals that habitual GenAI use can lead to critical thinking erosion, effort avoidance, cognitive automation, and cognitive deskilling, ultimately contributing to learners’ cognitive atrophy. By highlighting the cognitive risks, this study advances the understanding of the dark side of GenAI use in personal learning and offers practical insights for promoting its sustainable use.
Comments
04-DigitalLearning