The Effect of Chatbots and AI on The Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem, Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking of Students
Open accessAbstract
This article delves into the multifaceted impacts of chatbots and AI in educational settings. It explores how these technologies, increasingly integrated into learning environments, influence key psychological aspects and cognitive skills among students. The review highlights the potential of chatbots in enhancing academic processes, offering personalized learning experiences, and serving as bridges to educational resources. However, it also raises concerns about the ethical use of such technologies. Focusing on psychological aspects, the article reviews literature suggesting that frequent and satisfying interactions with chatbots can enhance students' self-efficacy and engagement. Studies indicate that chatbots might improve self-efficacy in experimental settings and have indirect effects on health-related self-efficacy. In terms of self-esteem and self-confidence, the research presents mixed findings. While chatbots can positively affect body image and self-esteem among certain demographics, over-reliance on these technologies for social interaction or validation might negatively impact real human connections and individual confidence. The article also examines the impact of chatbots on problem-solving skills. Some studies suggest that AI chatbots can enhance problem-solving abilities, especially when integrated into educational systems. However, there is a risk that reliance on chatbots could limit users' exploration of alternative problem-solving strategies. Critical thinking is another area reviewed, with studies presenting diverse results. While some research indicates a positive influence of chatbots on critical thinking, others suggest limitations or context-dependent effects. The article concludes that while AI and chatbots offer transformative potential for enhancing student learning and engagement, their impact is complex and multifaceted. Future advancements in chatbot technology should aim to enhance their positive impact on users' psychological well-being and cognitive development, balancing the need for independent thinking and adaptability to complex problems.
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Systematic and scoping reviews note that literature on the association between functional LLM-CB use and critical thinking skills remains inconclusive.
“Systematic and scoping reviews note that literature on the association between functional LLM-CB use and critical thinking skills remains inconclusive90–92.”
From A scoping review on the mental health harms of LLM-based chatbots (2026) · cites this paper as [92]
Section 2.1.4 (page not provided) describes diverse findings on chatbots and critical thinking, and the Discussion says their effects can be positive, limited, or context-dependent. That supports the claim that the evidence is inconclusive. The paper does not establish that it is a systematic or scoping review, or specifically assess functional use of LLM-based chatbots. (LLM, conf=0.84)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Cites
Deng, X., & Yu, Z. (2023) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su15042940 · Cited by 298 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Research works printed but not linked: 25
- Ghorashi N, Ismail A, Ghosh P, Sidawy A, Javan R. AI-Powered Chatbots in Medical Education: Potential Applications and Implications. Cureus. 2023;15(8):e43271. [PMID: 37692629] https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43271 · DOI · Paper page
- Tirado-Olivares S, Navío-Inglés M, O'Connor-Jiménez P, Cózar-Gutiérrez R. From Human to Machine: Investigating the Effectiveness of the Conversational AI ChatGPT in Historical Thinking. Education Sciences. 2023;13(8):803. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13080803 · DOI
- Zhang C, Li G, Hashimoto H, Zhang Z. Digital Transformation (DX) for Skill Learners: The Design Methodology and Implementation of Educational Chatbot using Knowledge Connection and Emotional Expression. 2022. p. 998-1003. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13080803 · DOI
- Ritharson P, editor Chatbots Embracing Artificial Intelligence Solutions to Assist Institutions in Improving Student Interactions. 2023 International Conference on Circuit Power and Computing Technologies (ICCPCT); 2023 10-11 Aug. 2023.
- Vargas-Murillo AR, de la Asuncion INM, de Jesús Guevara-Soto F. Challenges and Opportunities of AI-Assisted Learning: A Systematic Literature Review on the Impact of ChatGPT Usage in Higher Education. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research. 2023;22(7):122-35. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.7.7 · DOI
- Yildiz Durak H. Conversational agent-based guidance: examining the effect of chatbot usage frequency and satisfaction on visual design self-efficacy, engagement, satisfaction, and learner autonomy. Education and Information Technologies. 2023;28(1):471-88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11149-7 · DOI
- Williams R, Hopkins S, Frampton C, Holt-Quick C, Merry SN, Stasiak K. 21-Day Stress Detox: Open Trial of a Universal Well- Being Chatbot for Young Adults. Social Sciences. 2021;10(11):416. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci10110416 · DOI
- González-Cacho T, Abbas A. Impact of Interactivity and Active Collaborative Learning on Students' Critical Thinking in Higher Education. Rev Iberoam de Tecnol del Aprendiz. 2022;17(3):254-61. https://doi.org/10.1109/RITA.2022.3191286 · DOI
- Khanthavit A, Khanthavit S. ChatGPT and Stress. ABAC Journal. 2023;43(3):213-24. https://doi.org/10.59865/abacj.2023.39 · DOI
- Sakane N, Suganuma A, Domichi M, Sukino S, Abe K, Fujisaki A, et al. The Effect of a mHealth App (KENPO-app) for Specific Health Guidance on Weight Changes in Adults With Obesity and Hypertension: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2023;11:e43236. [PMID: 37043287] [PMCID: PMC10134028]. https://doi.org/10.2196/43236 · DOI
- Ameen N, Cheah J-H, Kumar S. It's all part of the customer journey: The impact of augmented reality, chatbots, and social media on the body image and self-esteem of Generation Z female consumers. Psychology & Marketing. 2022;39(11):2110-29. https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.21715 · DOI
- Arora S, Chaudhary P, Singh RK. Impact of coronavirus and online exam anxiety on self-efficacy: the moderating role of coping strategy. Interact Technol Smart Educ. 2021;18(3):475-92. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITSE-08-2020-0158 E-ISSN: 0000-0000 · DOI
- Leavitt C, Corbin M, Keith MJ, Schuetzler RM, Anderson G, Kettles D. A Chatbot Tutor Can Lessen the Gender Confidence Gap in Information Systems Learning. 2022. p. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITSE-08-2020-0158 · DOI
- Coudevylle GR, Gernigon C, Martin Ginis KA. Self-esteem, self-confidence, anxiety and claimed self-handicapping: A mediational analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 2011;12(6):670-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.05.008 · DOI
- Troitskaya O, Batkhina A. Mobile application for couple relationships: Results of a pilot effectiveness study. Fam Process. 2022;61(2):625-42. [PMID: 34904235] https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12733 · DOI
- Ifelebuegu A. Rethinking online assessment strategies: Authenticity versus AI chatbot intervention. Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching. 2023;6(2). https://doi.org/10.37074/jalt.2023.6.2.2 · DOI
- S. R, VS. A, H. A, R. M. E-Learning Management System with AI Assistance. International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET). 2023.
- Peng Z. Designing and Evaluating Intelligent Agents' Interaction Mechanisms for Assisting Human in High-Level Thinking Tasks. 2021. p. 70:1-:6. https://doi.org/10.1145/3411763.3443424 · DOI
- Emre Ç, KIYICI M. The impact of robotics assisted programming education on academic success, problem solving skills and motivation. Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning. 2022;5(1):47-65. https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.1028825 · DOI
- Bailey D, Almusharraf N, editors. Investigating the Effect of Chatbot-to-User Questions and Directives on Student Participation. 2021 1st International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (CAIDA); 2021 6-7 April 2021. [PMCID: PMC8712626]. https://doi.org/10.1109/CAIDA51941.2021.9425208 · DOI
- Musi E, Carmi E, Reed C, Yates S, O'Halloran K. Developing Misinformation Immunity: How to Reason-Check Fallacious News in a Human-Computer Interaction Environment. Social Media + Society. 2023;9(1):20563051221150407. https://doi.org/10.1177/ 20563051221150407 · DOI · Paper page
- Hapsari IP, Wu T-T. AI Chatbots Learning Model in English Speaking Skill: Alleviating Speaking Anxiety, Boosting Enjoyment, and Fostering Critical Thinking. 2022. p. 444-53. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15273-3_49 · DOI
- Adhikari B. Thinking beyond Chatbots’ Threat to Education: Visualizations to Elucidate the Writing or Coding Process. Education Sciences. 2023;13(9):922. [PMID: 24164334] [PMCID: PMC7002872]. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00208.2015 · DOI
- Jiatong W, Murad M, Bajun F, Tufail MS, Mirza F, Rafiq M. Impact of Entrepreneurial Education, Mindset, and Creativity on Entrepreneurial Intention: Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy. Front Psychol. 2021;12:724440. [PMID: 34497568] [PMCID: PMC8419428]. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.724440 · DOI
- Joie-La Marle C, Parmentier F, Vinchon F, Storme M, Borteyrou X, Lubart T. Evolution and impact of self-efficacy during French COVID-19 confinement: a longitudinal study. J Gen Psychol. 2021;148(3):360-81. [PMID: 33825670] https://doi.org/10.1080/ 00221309.2021.1904815 · DOI
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Bećirović, S., Polz, E., & Tinkel, I. (2025) · Smart Learning Environments · doi:10.1186/s40561-025-00384-3 · Cited by 133 · see citing works
Teng, D., Zhou, X., Al‐Samarraie, H., & Fang, L. (2026) · Journal of Computer Assisted Learning · doi:10.1002/jcal.70176 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Academic Integrity and Students’ Ethical Use of ChatGPT in Higher Education
Shishakly, R., & Nachouki, M. (2026) · Journal of Information Technology Education: Research · doi:10.28945/5730 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“…AI assistance (Lamb, 2023), responsible use as a complement to critical thinking rather than a substitute (Essel et al., 2024; Iqbal & Iqbal, 2024; Parsakia, 2023), plagiarism avoidance to preserve originality (Kotsis, 2024), and awareness of algorithmic bias to support fairness and credibility…”
A scoping review on the mental health harms of LLM-based chatbots
Diel, A., Torous, J., Cuijpers, P., Kleesiek, J., Nensa, F., Weber, N., Faust, F., Lalgi, T. J., Mellis, F. S., Teufel, M., et al. (2026) · npj Digital Medicine · doi:10.1038/s41746-026-03054-x · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Systematic and scoping reviews note that literature on the association between functional LLM-CB use and critical thinking skills remains inconclusive 90 – 92 .”
- Authors
- Parsakia, K.
- Affiliations
- KMAN Research Institute (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Parsakia, Kamdin
- ORCID
- Parsakia, Kamdin
- Venue
- Health Nexus
- Publisher
- KMAN Publication Incorporation
- Published
- 2023-01-01
- Volume
- 1
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 71-76
- ISSN
- 2981-2569 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4389353249
- Cited by
- 89
- References
- 1
- Citations by year
- 2026: 26 · 2025: 41 · 2024: 17 · 2023: 5
- FWCI
- 21.00
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Health Nexus (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Artificial Intelligence in Education
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › AI in Service Interactions
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Intelligent Tutoring Systems and Adaptive Learning
- Keywords
- chatbots, artificial intelligence in education, self-efficacy, self-esteem, problem-solving skills, critical thinking, student engagement, personalized learning, ethical use of AI, psychological well-being, body image
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review