As artificial intelligence tools like DeepSeek become more advanced, university students in China are increasingly turning to AI to assist with their academic writing. While these tools offer significant benefits, an overreliance on AI and improper usage are raising concerns among educators.
A recent survey conducted by MyCOS, which included over 3,000 university faculty and students, revealed that nearly 60 percent of respondents use generative AI daily or multiple times a week. Among the students, almost 30 percent primarily rely on AI for writing papers or assignments, with some even admitting to directly copying and pasting AI-generated content.
University professors and experts shared with China Media Group (CMG) that the misuse of AI extends beyond text generation. Instances of academic misconduct such as falsifying research data, editing experimental images, and replacing independent design work with AI-generated content are becoming more prevalent.
In response to these challenges, many Chinese universities have introduced stringent regulations outlining the permitted and prohibited uses of AI tools. For example, Fudan University recently issued guidelines that ban the use of AI in areas like research design, data collection, image creation, thesis writing, and handling confidential content. Violations of these guidelines could lead to failing grades and impact a student's eligibility for their degree.
Tianjin University of Science and Technology has also taken measures by implementing AI-generated content detection in undergraduate theses. They have set a maximum AI content threshold of 40 percent, a policy that will remain in effect for graduates in 2025.
Additionally, multiple research teams in China are developing advanced AI detection technologies to combat academic fraud. As AI technology continues to evolve, so must the methods used to detect and prevent its misuse.
Beyond technological solutions, experts emphasize the importance of enhancing academic evaluation methods and improving AI literacy among students. Huang Yating, a researcher at Zhejiang University's School of Education, suggests that assessment methods should prioritize higher-order thinking skills. \"AI can replace repetitive and standardized tasks,\" Huang stated. \"Professors should design assignments that AI cannot easily replicate and encourage collaboration with AI rather than full reliance on it.\"
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Chinese universities seek to regulate AI use in academic writing
cgtn.com
