Executive Guide · Open access
Research Summary: Learning by Chatting? Investigating the Impact of Generative AI on Information Seeking and Learning
- Original authors
- Attribution requires verification
- Original source
- arXiv — Computers and Society
- Summary & Analysis prepared by
- Aziz Shuaib Ausi
- Resource type
- Research Summary / Knowledge Resource
- Resource published on AZIZ OS
- 10 August 2026
- Last updated
- 21 September 2026
- Reading time
- 1 min
- Publication type
- Executive Guide
- Availability
- Open access
About this Summary & Analysis
AZIZ OS provides independently prepared summaries and analytical interpretations of externally published research and knowledge sources. The underlying works remain attributable to their original authors and rights holders. This resource is intended to improve accessibility and understanding and does not replace the original publication.
Research from arXiv investigates the impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on information seeking and learning, comparing its effects against traditional search engines like Google Search. A field experiment showed that reliance on GenAI tools, specifically ChatGPT, for information seeking led to a reduction in user agency during the learning process. The study highlights potential shifts in cognitive engagement and information acquisition strategies when GenAI is employed for informal learning.
Why it matters
The evolving role of Generative AI in information seeking has significant implications for knowledge acquisition, operational efficiency, and human capital development across all sectors. Understanding how these tools reshape cognitive processes is crucial for developing effective strategies for talent management, training, and the responsible integration of AI into workflows.
Key insights
- Generative AI tools are increasingly used to augment human cognitive tasks, including information seeking.
- A field experiment compared information seeking via ChatGPT and Google Search for informal learning over an 8-day period.
- Participants using ChatGPT demonstrated diminished agency in their information-seeking processes.
- GenAI tools may lead to users offloading significant portions of their information acquisition efforts.
Source
arXiv — Computers and Society — https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.11669
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- Verification ID
- ASA-EXG-2026-00079
- Version
- v1.0 · r0
- Issued
- 10 August 2026
- Resource prepared by
- Aziz Shuaib Ausi
- Resource status
- Research Summary / Knowledge Resource
- Underlying work
- Learning by Chatting? Investigating the Impact of Generative AI on Information Seeking and Learning
- Original authors
- Attribution requires verification
- Original source
- arXiv — Computers and Society
- Provenance status
- Attribution requires verification
- Rights
- Underlying publication rights remain with the respective copyright holder(s). Refer to the original source for authoritative publication and licensing information.
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