Exploration Students’ Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Everyday Decision-Making

Nurul Maghfirah Surianto; Andi Nurul Azisah

doi:10.35877/454RI.qems5018

Quantitative Economics and Management Studies

Vol. 7 No. 5 (2026) · 2026-10-01

Articles | 2026-10-01

Exploration Students’ Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Everyday Decision-Making

Nurul Maghfirah Surianto, Andi Nurul Azisah

Quantitative Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 7 No. 5 (2026) https://doi.org/10.35877/454RI.qems5018 Published: 2026-10-01

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Abstract

This study explores students’ perceptions of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday decision-making, focusing on its perceived effectiveness, limitations, trustworthiness, and influence on independent thinking. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving nine university students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews supported by a structured open-ended questionnaire. The data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns in students’ experiences, levels of trust, critical evaluation practices, and reliance on AI-generated recommendations. The results reveal that students use AI for both academic activities and personal decisions, including financial management, product selection, clothing choices, and career considerations. While AI is perceived as a useful decision-support tool that helps organize information, compare alternatives, and reduce uncertainty, students demonstrate only moderate trust in its recommendations because of its contextual limitations, generic responses, and potential to generate inaccurate information. The findings also show that students retain control over their final decisions by verifying AI-generated information through additional sources, comparing recommendations with real-world circumstances, and consulting peers. However, some students acknowledge a tendency to rely on AI when facing minor cognitive difficulties, indicating a potential risk of cognitive dependency. Overall, AI functions primarily as a supplementary cognitive resource rather than a substitute for students’ independent judgement, although the balance between convenience and cognitive autonomy remains an important feature of their everyday decision-making experiences.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence Decision making Student's Perception

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How to Cite

Surianto, N. M., & Azisah, A. N. (2026). Exploration Students’ Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Everyday Decision-Making. Quantitative Economics and Management Studies, 7(5). https://doi.org/10.35877/454RI.qems5018