Impact of technology This year we introduced a new series of questions about the impact of technology – specifically artificial intelligence (AI) and social media – on applicants’ lives. We also tested the overall acceptability of AI among applicants using a broad statement. In general, international applicants are more positive and more experienced with AI compared to UK applicants. Nearly a third of applicants are against the use of AI, though UK applicants are much more likely to be against it (36%) than international applicants (17%). Social media has negatively impacted the learning confidence and ability of 41% of applicants. Again, UK applicants are more affected than international applicants, furthermore over half (54%) of disabled applicants are affected. However, 42% of applicants have used social media and/or AI to guide their decisions about university. Overall, two thirds of applicants (67%) have used AI to assist them with their learning. Male applicants were slightly more likely to have used it (71%) compared to female applicants (66%). There is a significant difference in AI use for learning between international and UK applicants. International students are much more likely to have used AI for their learning, and only 16% have not used it. AI usage was particularly high among applicants from China. There is no meaningful difference between socioeconomic groups in their use of AI, suggesting that access to technology is not a factor. In fact, it is difficult to see any demographic clues about why some applicants have not used AI for their learning. It may be due to personal beliefs about AI, and indeed there is a high level of cross- over between those who say they are against the use of AI and those who have not used it for their learning. Among those who have not yet used AI for learning, only 21% expect to use it in higher education. Figure 30: Have you used Artificial Intelligence chatbots (e.g. Chat GPT) to assist with your learning and education? I am against the use of AI Social media/AI chatbots have guided my decisions about university (e.g. course choice, university choice, alternative options) My learning confidence and ability has been negatively impacted by use of social media Figure 29: Attitudes towards specific technologies 16% 19% 26% 16% 12% 14% 30% 11% Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree Don’t know 1 2 2 13% 18% 23% 23% 23% 23% 29% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 30% 20% 10% 0% 83% 16% 1 International 61% 4 35% UK 67% 30% 3 All Not sure Yes No Unite Students | Applicant Index Report 37 INTRODUCTION THEMATIC ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY TOPICAL ISSUES BACK TO CONTENTS