# Is ChatGPT Massively Used by Students Nowadays? A Survey on the Use of Large Language Models such as ChatGPT in Educational Settings

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.17486 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.17486/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 5 of its 67 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 23 Dec 2024.

## Builds on (most cited first, 5 of 5)

- [BERT: Pre-training of Deep Bidirectional Transformers for Language Understanding](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1810.04805/) (2018)
- [The Llama 3 Herd of Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.21783/) (2024)
- [PaLM: Scaling Language Modeling with Pathways](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2204.02311/) (2022)
- [A Survey of Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.18223/) (2023)
- [A Comprehensive Survey on Pretrained Foundation Models: A History from BERT to ChatGPT](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2302.09419/) (2023)

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Generative AI Practices, Literacy, and Divides: An Empirical Analysis in the Italian Context](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.03671/) (2025)
- [Designing and Evaluating Chain-of-Hints for Scientific Question Answering](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2510.21087/) (2025)
- ["Everyone's using it, but no one is allowed to talk about it": College Students' Experiences Navigating the Higher Education Environment in a Generative AI World](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2602.17720/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The rapid adoption of Generative AI (GenAI) based on Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT has recently and profoundly impacted education, offering transformative opportunities while raising significant concerns. In this study we present the results of a survey that investigates how 395 students aged 13 to 25 years old in France and Italy integrate LLMs into their educational routines. Key findings include the widespread use of these tools across all age groups and disciplines, with older students and male students demonstrating higher usage frequencies, particularly in scientific contexts. The results also show gender disparities, raising concerns about an emerging AI literacy and technological gender gap. Additionally, while most students utilise LLMs constructively, the lack of systematic proofreading and critical evaluation among younger users suggests potential risks to cognitive skills development, including critical thinking and foundational knowledge. The survey results underscore the need for educational institutions to adapt their curricula to integrate AI tools effectively, promoting ethical use, critical thinking, and awareness of AI limitations and environmental costs. This paper provides actionable recommendations for fostering equitable and effective cohabitation of LLMs and education while addressing emerging challenges.