Introduction: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT into higher education presents both opportunities and challenges, especially in terms of ethics, trust, and educational equity.
Purpose: This study explores how undergraduate students' perceptions of academic dishonesty (PAD) influences their intention to use ChatGPT, and whether this relationship is mediated by perceived risk.
Method: A quantitative study was conducted using an online survey completed by 468 undergraduate students at a Spanish university. Data was analyzed through mediation models using the PROCESS macro (Model 4).
Results: The findings show that greater awareness of ethical risks is significantly associated with lower intention to use such technologies in the future. Additionally, perceived risk significantly mediates the relationship between PAD and intention to use, suggesting that ethical concerns reduce AI adoption by increasing perceived risks.
Conclusions: The study provides valuable insight into why some students are more aware and sensitive to the potential risks of ChatGPT than others. Further, these findings highlight the need for universities to foster critical discussions around academic integrity and the responsible use of emerging technologies like ChatGPT.