Using QuillBot as AI Versatile Writing Assistant for Writing Performance: Pitfalls and Potentials

Abstract

This research explored the use of QuillBot, an AI-based paraphrasing tool, as an assistant in academic writing among the 8th - semester students of the English Education Department at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara. It identified the pitfalls and potentials of using QuillBot from the students' perspective. A qualitative descriptive approach was used, with data collected through semi structured interviews with 20 participants. The findings showed that most students felt QuillBot significantly improved the quality of writing by improving sentence structure, vocabulary, and grammar while helping to prevent plagiarism. However, the research also found that 4 out of 20 respondents had concerns about potential over-reliance on the use of QuillBot, which could hinder the development of independent writing skills and critical thinking. In addition, issues such as inaccuracies in paraphrasing and the risk of producing generic sentences were also noted. Future research should consider the long-term effects of using AI tools in academic settings and will explore strategies to maximize their benefits while reducing their potential disadvantages.