Abstract

PRAMJEETH, Shamola. Ethics in the age of generative AI: Student perceptions, use and transparency in South African private higher education. Journal of Education [online]. 2026, n.103, pp.42-61. ISSN 2520-9868.  https://doi.org/10.17159/2520-9868/i103a03.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education in raising complex questions about ethics, academic integrity, and responsible use. In this study, I investigate students' perceptions of the ethical use of generative AI (GenAI) tools across five South African private higher education institutions (PHEIs). Based on a survey of 1,866 students across disciplines and modes of study, I investigated perceptions of integrity, perceived reliability, quality assurance practices, and disclosure behaviours. Students (n=1866) demonstrated mixed confidence in GenAI, with ChatGPT viewed as the most reliable tool (66.5%). However, uncertainty regarding ethical use persisted, with 53.2% expressing neutral concern about integrity. Gender, study mode, and level of study significantly shaped perceptions and disclosure, with males and postgraduate students reporting greater confidence and lower concern. Although 66% cross-referenced AI outputs with credible sources, fewer critically evaluated or proofread them, and 13.5% admitted non-disclosure. Grounded in the Normative Theory of Academic Integrity and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, I offer theoretical insight into how values, norms, and perceived behavioural control shape ethical AI engagement. I further provide policy guidance for PHEIs to formalise AI governance, strengthen ethical AI literacy, and embed transparent disclosure protocols.

Keywords : academic integrity; generative AI; ethical use; private higher education; South Africa.

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