Perspectives on Potential Plagiarism Triggered by AI Among Chinese University Students

While previous studies have investigated students' perceptions of plagiarism, few have focused on new types of digital plagiarism triggered by artificial intelligence (AI), especially the factors that influence students' perceptions of such plagiarism. Through a questionnaire survey among 465 students from a university in Eastern China and follow-up interviews with 12 students, the present study aims to explore Chinese students' perceptions regarding plagiarism generated by AI, while also delving into how academic stage and disciplinary background may influence their perceptions. Results revealed participants' perceptions concerning different types of AI-induced plagiarism and highlighted their greater tolerance of AI-induced plagiarism than human plagiarism. Furthermore, significant differences across academic stages and disciplines were found. The study underscores the need for plagiarism education to improve students' academic integrity literacy in the era of AI.