Dony Efriza, Muhammad Zaim, Yetti Zainil
This study was conducted based on the growing concern over dependence of students on AI for writing and the urgent need for strong digital literacy to ensure that technology enhances, rather than replaces, genuine language skill development. This study aims to examine the effect of digital literacy on attitudes toward using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for writing and the subsequent impact on students' writing skills. A mixed-methods approach was employed using a sequential explanatory design. Quantitative data were collected from one class of 34 university students at Jambi University by administering a digital literacy test, an IELTS-modeled writing test, and a questionnaire on attitudes toward using AI for writing, while 7 students were selected to provide qualitative data through semi-structured interviews. The results showed that digital literacy had a significant effect on students' attitudes toward using AI for writing (β = 0.016, p < 0.05) and on writing skills (β = 0.001, p < 0.05). Moreover, students' attitudes toward using AI for writing were moderately associated with their writing skills (β = 0.006, p < 0.05). It was observed that students with higher digital literacy were better able to optimally use AI to improve writing skills while reducing dependence. Qualitative data supporting the results indicated that students' digital competencies helped ensure more balanced and ethical use of AI in academic contexts. The trend indicates the need to integrate digital literacy into the curriculum, particularly in language learning, to ensure that students become more critical, creative, and discerning in their use of AI. Longitudinal studies are recommended to examine the long-term effects of digital literacy and AI-assisted learning on writing development, and to explore the ethical implications and learning behaviors associated with AI integration in language education. © 2026, Politeknik Negeri Padang. All rights reserved.
Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia
