Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: An Analysis of Usage Patterns, Academic Outcomes, Behavioural Changes, and Privacy Concerns among College Students in Coimbatore City

This study examines the usage patterns of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among college students and their impact on academic outcomes, behavioural changes, and privacy concerns in Coimbatore city. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical design using a quantitative approach, with data collected from 140 respondents through structured questionnaires. The findings reveals that a majority of students frequently use AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, for academic purposes such as personal learning, assignments, and research. The study highlights that AI usage enhances critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and productivity among students. It also indicates a growing dependence on AI tools, influencing study habits and learning behaviour, with many students preferring AI-assisted self-learning methods. The analysis shows that students actively verify AI-generated information through online sources and peer discussions, reflecting a balanced learning approach. Despite the benefits, concerns regarding data privacy and security are significant, as many students are aware of risks but lack proper understanding of privacy policies. Statistical tools such as Chi-square, correlation and ANOVA reveal that while AI usage is significantly associated with educational qualification and tool preference, it does not significantly impact academic outcomes. The study concludes that AI plays a transformative role in higher education (HE), offering both opportunities and challenges. It emphasizes the need for responsible AI integration, improved digital literacy, and stronger awareness of ethical and privacy issues to maximize benefits while minimizing risks