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Cited by 57Artificial Intelligence in EducationArtificial Intelligence in Healthcare and EducationAI in Service Interactions

Systematic review of ChatGPT in higher education: Navigating impact on learning, wellbeing, and collaboration

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Abdallah, Naya, Katmah, Rateb, Khalaf, Kinda, Jelinek, Herbert F.·2025·Social Sciences & Humanities Open
DOI 10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101866
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Abstract

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbots has significantly influenced higher education in the last couple of years, with large language models (LLMs), such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, emerging as transformative tools. ChatGPT is actively and widely adopted for academic applications, including tutoring, essay drafting, content clarification, and feedback generation. While its integration into educational settings offers numerous advantages, from enhancing learning outcomes and reducing test anxiety to fostering engagement and collaboration, it raises concerns regarding academic integrity, critical thinking, and over-reliance on AI-generated content. This paper presents a systematic review of existing literature on using ChatGPT in higher education, following a PRISMA-based methodology to analyze 39 studies published between 2023 and 2024. The review synthesizes findings across five key dimensions: academic performance, mental health, second-language learners, social influence, and inspiration. The results indicate that while ChatGPT improves accessibility to knowledge and provides cognitive and emotional support, its misuse may hinder independent learning and increase technostress. Furthermore, this review explores ethical and policy considerations surrounding ChatGPT's adoption, emphasizing the need for balanced integration strategies. Key recommendations include institutional guidelines, AI literacy initiatives, and frameworks for ethical integration. This…

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  • Large language models can respond dynamically to individual questions, provide immediate and iterative feedback, generate alternative explanations, and help students refine ideas or approaches as their understanding develops.

    “Unlike static instructional resources, large language models can respond dynamically to individual questions, provide immediate and iterative feedback, generate alternative explanations, and help students refine ideas or approaches as their understanding develops (Johnson et al. 2024; Abdallah et al. 2025; Qian 2025).”

    From Generative AI Expands the Intellectual Reach of Course Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) (2026) · cites this paper as Abdallah et al. 2025

  • GenAI tools offer a novel means of extending support to students engaged in complex, open-ended learning.

    “The rise of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools offers a novel means of extending support to students engaged in complex, open-ended learning.”

    From Generative AI Expands the Intellectual Reach of Course Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) (2026) · cites this paper as Abdallah et al. 2025

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Authors
Abdallah, N., Katmah, R., Khalaf, K., & Jelinek, H. F.
Affiliations
  • Sarah Lawrence College (US)
  • Khalifa University of Science and Technology (AE)
Corresponding author
Katmah, Rateb
ORCID
Venue
Social Sciences & Humanities Open
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2025
Volume
12
Pages
101866
ISSN
2590-2911 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101866
OpenAlex
W4412928660
Cited by
55
References
63
Citations by year
2026: 48 · 2025: 7
FWCI
8.50
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Social Sciences & Humanities Open (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Khalifa University
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Health Informatics › Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › AI in Service Interactions
Keywords
ChatGPT, large language models, artificial intelligence in higher education, academic integrity, student well-being, technostress, second language learners, AI-generated content, AI literacy, ethical integration of AI, student cooperation, academic performance, test anxiety

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