Gunasegaran, H. (2025). ChatGPT usage among teens in humanities courses. The Young Researcher, 9(1), 18-37. http://www.theyoungresearcher.com/papers/gunasegaran.pdf

Abstract
The artificial intelligence program ChatGPT has become increasingly prominent within society, especially in education. It is known for its ability to generate quick responses to prompts, regardless of the discipline. Pre-existing research focuses on issues of AI-related academic integrity, but few identify the motivation for its usage and for what specific tasks. Correlational and thematic analysis was conducted through a mixed-methods approach, in the form of a survey and interviews, identifying the specific tasks for which high school students within the Greater Toronto Area use ChatGPT and their motivations. The results revealed that students primarily use it for writing essays and research papers, based on the time they have to complete an assignment, interest in the course, and character of the assignment (formative vs summative). This research helps humanities teachers and educational policymakers alter their coursework such that students continue to develop the necessary humanities skills despite the growing presence of AI.

Keywords: ChatGPT, high school, mixed method, humanities, GTA (Greater Toronto Area)


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