ABSTRACT
This study aims to: 1) explore how five English-major students in Surakarta use ChatGPT in academic writing, 2) identify the strategies they adopt at different stages of the writing process, and 3) examine the challenges they encounter when integrating ChatGPT into their work. A narrative inquiry approach was used, with data collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and personal stories shared by the participants. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns and themes. The findings reveal that students generally view ChatGPT as a helpful tool, particularly for generating topics, organizing ideas, improving vocabulary, and enhancing grammar. However, challenges include concerns about plagiarism, potential over-reliance on AI, and issues with the accuracy of the generated content. This study highlights the need for clear guidelines on the responsible use of AI tools, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring students can balance AI-generated content with their own independent work. The implications suggest that successful integration of ChatGPT into academic writing requires a careful balance between utilizing AI assistance and preserving academic integrity, creativity, and critical thinking.
