Perceived benefits and challenges regarding the use of ChatGPT in English language learning: a study of L2 postgraduate students

This study examines the perceived benefits and challenges and usage patterns of ChatGPT among 54 L2 postgraduate students in Asia, with a demographic breakdown of 27.8% male, 66.6% female, and 5.6% preferring not to disclose gender, aged between 24 and 54 years. Data collection involved using multiple-choice and 5-point Likert scale statements, which were close-ended. The majority of respondents (83.3%) were pursuing master's degrees, and all had utilized ChatGPT, primarily for less than a year. The primary applications included research (59.3%) and language learning (14.8%), with 27.8% of respondents using it daily. According to the results, students value ChatGPT's ease of use (M = 4.43), time-saving features (M = 4.41), and the availability of knowledge in a variety of subjects (M = 4.09), considering it very helpful for learning English. However, concerns were raised about its potential to foster lazy thinking (M = 3.46) and the reliability of translations (M = 3.39). Despite skepticism about its ability to replace traditional language classes or teachers (M = 2.20 and M = 2.13, respectively), students recognized its value in personalized tutoring (M = 3.31), understanding written material (M = 3.93), and translating learning materials (M = 3.39). Specific concerns included the reliability of information on topics with few citations (M = 3.64) and a decline in response quality after several paragraphs (M = 3.33). Nonetheless, respondents disagreed that ChatGPT responses are misleading or confusing (M = 3.28), overall viewing it as a precise and reliable learning tool.