The Impact of Unethical AI Use on Academic Writing Regression:

Case Study of English Students at PSDKU Aru

  • Parjolo Aritonang Pattimura University, Indonesia
  • Emanuela Giovanni Toisuta Airlangga University, Indonesia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30598/matail.v5i2.19671
Keywords: academic writing regression, AI ethics, AI literacy, higher education, paragraph coherence, plagiarism

Abstract

This qualitative case study investigates how unethical AI tool usage contributes to the regression of academic writing skills among 20 English students at PSDKU Aru, Maluku, Indonesia. Data was collected through writing samples, plagiarism reports, interviews, and longitudinal grade tracking over six months. Findings reveal that students engaging in uncritical copy-pasting of AI-generated content (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini) exhibited significant declines in paragraph coherence, argumentative depth, and syntactic complexity. Key regression patterns included fragmented topic sentences, incohesive supporting evidence, and formulaic conclusions. The study highlights ethical and pedagogical implications, advocating for AI literacy integration and scaffolded writing assessments. Recommendations emphasize proactive policy reforms and metacognitive training to mitigate skill atrophy.

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Published
2025-06-05
How to Cite
Aritonang, P., & Toisuta, E. G. (2025). The Impact of Unethical AI Use on Academic Writing Regression:. MATAI: International Journal of Language Education, 5(2), 232-241. https://doi.org/10.30598/matail.v5i2.19671
Issue
Vol 5 No 2 (2025): MATAI: International Journal of Language Education
Section
Articles

Copyright (c) 2025 Parjolo Aritonang, Emanuela Giovanni Toisuta

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