Abstract

CARDOZO, Soledad. Artificial intelligence from the perspective of paraguayan university students: a segmented analysis of knowledge, access, and ethical practices. Rev. cient. cienc. soc. [online]. 2025, vol.7, e701123.  Epub Oct 28, 2025. ISSN 2708-0412.  https://doi.org/10.53732/rccsociales/e701123.

This study analyzed Paraguayan university students' perceptions of the use and ethics of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. A mixed, descriptive, cross-sectional design was applied, using non-probability convenience sampling in a snowball modality. A total of 108 students from public and private universities completed an online questionnaire. The study examined sociodemographic variables, access to and use of AI, ethical perceptions, and regulatory proposals. Reported benefits included learning support (56%), time optimization (34%), and access to relevant information (30%), while the main risks were technological dependence (70%), loss of critical thinking (69.4%), and plagiarism (62.9%). Overall, 52% reported using AI "always" or "almost always" for academic activities, whereas in the workplace the most common responses were "rarely" or "never" (48%). Additionally, 59.3% reported frequent use of ChatGPT and 88% were unfamiliar with other emerging tools. The qualitative analysis revealed demands for ongoing faculty development, systematic source verification, and clear rules for ethical use. In sum, the findings suggest that AI integration in Paraguayan higher education remains nascent and that digital literacy, ethics training, and specific guidelines are needed for equitable, responsible adoption. Strengthening institutional policies, pedagogical support, and ongoing impact evaluation is recommended.

Keywords : Artificial intelligence; ethics; university; academic integrity; digital competence.

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