Dinamika Relasi Generasi Z Dengan Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) di Ruang Akademik: Studi Fenomenologi pada Mahasiswa Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta

Abstract

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has become an integral part of human life and brought significant changes to the higher education ecosystem, especially for Generation Z, who are growing up as digital natives. The presence of AI not only facilitates access to information but also triggers new dynamics related to digital literacy, academic integrity, and critical thinking patterns in students. This study aims to understand how Generation Z students at Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta interpret the presence of AI in the academic environment, identify the relationship between students and this technology in the digital space, and examine the implications of AI use for low ethical awareness in the academic environment.

This study used qualitative methods with a descriptive approach. The researcher acted as the key instrument in data collection through observation techniques, in-depth interviews with students from various study programs (such as Communication Sciences, Informatics, and Education), and documentation studies. Data analysis techniques used included data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions using the Miles and Huberman interactive model.

The results indicate that students perceive AI as a "cognitive partner" and "peer tutor" that helps accelerate assignment completion and simplify complex concepts. This relationship is driven by perceived usefulness and ease of use, as well as motivation to meet cognitive needs and achieve efficiency. However, intensive use of AI triggers the phenomenon of cognitive offloading, which results in technological dependency, decreased critical thinking skills, and the risk of covert plagiarism. Furthermore, the presence of AI contributes to a decline in students' interest in reading primary literature. This study recommends the importance of strengthening digital literacy and academic ethics so that students can use AI wisely as a supporting tool without compromising their intellectual abilities and academic integrity.