Comparison and Quantification of GAI Tools Use Among Different Academic Population Segments

This study explores the Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) field, focusing on its integration within the academic community of University North in Croatia. Specifically, it compares and quantifies the usage of advanced GAI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot (Bing AI), Gemini (Google Bard), and others within the different user groups - including students (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral students), and teachers/researchers. The objective was to discern the varying usage patterns and acceptance levels among these groups, particularly in the context of research and work. Our findings indicate significant variations among those groups when considering both GAI users and non-users. However, once we narrow the analysis to GAI users only, the differences between different groups diminish. The study concluded that the most widely accepted and used GAI tool was ChatGPT, with undergraduate and doctoral students adopting it at the highest rates. Also, self-assessed GAI proficiency was higher for individuals who use those tools longer and for teachers/researchers and doctoral students who use them for more complex tasks. Doctoral students were more likely to pay for premium features.