<![CDATA[The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education has changed the way students complete academic tasks, including academic translation. Although ChatGPT provides valuable support in language-related activities, excessive reliance on this technology may influence students’ independent translation abilities. This study aims to explore English students’ dependency on ChatGPT in academic translation, focusing on how students rely on ChatGPT, the factors influencing their dependency, and its impact on independent translation practices. This research employed a qualitative case study design involving five English Study Program students at STKIP Taman Siswa Bima who had experience using ChatGPT for academic translation. The five participants were considered sufficient as the interview data had reached saturation, with no substantially new themes emerging from the data. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and supporting documentation, including screenshots of students’ interactions with ChatGPT. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework. The findings revealed that students’ dependency on ChatGPT developed gradually through different patterns of reliance, ranging from selective assistance for vocabulary, grammar correction, and explanation to more extensive reliance through full-text translation. The dependency was influenced by students’ linguistic challenges, such as limited vocabulary and grammar difficulties, as well as ChatGPT’s efficiency, accessibility, and convenience. Furthermore, ChatGPT provided benefits for vocabulary development, grammar awareness, and text comprehension; however, excessive reliance could reduce students’ independent efforts, critical thinking, and confidence in their own translation abilities. The study highlights the importance of responsible AI integration to support learning while maintaining students’ translation competence and autonomy. ]]>
