EJIHPE | Free Full-Text | Examining Students’ Acceptance and Use of ChatGPT in Saudi Arabian Higher Education

Several studies, e.g., refs. [15,21,23,24], on chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT) have consistently highlighted the pivotal role of PE and EE in predicting student acceptance and actual use of such innovative technology. These crucial determinants are affected by various variables related to the chatbot’s perceived usefulness, ease of use, simplicity, and compatibility with user needs [17,18]. Additionally, several aspects such as task achievement, sense of achievement, and heightened engagement have been identified as key contributors to PE [19]. In terms of educational context, Menon & Shilpa [15] argued that PE is considered a predominant factor affecting students’ perceptions of using ChatGPT for educational purposes. Moreover, recent research [1] has revealed that understanding EE toward ChatGPT, i.e., user-friendliness, simplicity, adoption, and integration into daily routines, is more likely, leading to increased actual usage and the greater value of ChatGPT in educational contexts. Regarding SI toward ChatGPT in educational contexts, recent studies, e.g., refs. [1,14,21,23,26], have observed that positive attitudes, endorsements, or active usage of chatbot-based AI within social networks (e.g., colleagues) are likely to positively influence people’s actual use of ChatGPT. Additionally, recommendations, encouragement, or shared positive experiences from others have an important impact on users’ decision to actively incorporate ChatGPT into their tasks and routines [1,15,21]. Previous research, i.e., refs. [15,21,25,30,31], that has measured the adoptability of ChatGPT in education has underscored the substantial impact of FCs on its adoption and real usage. Furthermore, the research conducted by Menon and Shilpa [15] has shown that FCs, i.e., a mobile device, consistent internet connection, and technical support, are pivotal factors that can profoundly affect the adoption of ChatGPT. Hence, we could postulate that