Shaping the Future: The Influence of Student Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Creativity Tools on Their Future Outlooks

Students are increasingly using AI tools for creative academic projects. This research reveals that students tend to view these tools in one of two ways: as collaborative partners with whom they co-create and refine their work, or as subordinate agents to whom they delegate tasks. Notably, students who regard AI tools as collaborators are more likely to have a positive outlook on the future than those who see AI as mere servants. The results suggest this difference stems from a stronger internal locus of control among students who treat AI as a partner, which in turn positively influences their future orientation. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.