Journal of Social Research
Vol. 5 No. 7 (2026): Journal of Social Research

Prosopos in Student Communication with Generative AI: A Phenomenological Study of Persona Formation and AI Literacy in Digital Higher Education

Fery Harianto (Universitas Gunadarma)
Rajab Ritonga (Universitas Gunadarma)
Pitoyo Pitoyo (Universitas Gunadarma)



Article Info

Publish Date
16 Jun 2026

Abstract

The emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed digital communication in higher education, enabling natural language interactions that resemble interpersonal dialogue. This study investigates how students construct communicative relationships with AI and develop AI literacy in academic contexts. The research aims to explore students' experiences in assigning personas to AI, engaging in "as-if human" communication, and reflecting ethically on AI usage. A qualitative approach using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed, involving 25 students from the D-III Public Relations Program at AKMRTV Jakarta. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, digital observations, and analysis of 218 AI conversational documents. The findings reveal that students perceive AI as an academic thinking partner, discussion companion, and virtual mentor, fostering relational attachment and supporting idea development. Students actively assign personas to AI platforms, applying interpersonal communication norms and critical verification during interactions. Based on these insights, the Prosopopoeic AI Literacy (PAIL) model was developed, consisting of five dimensions: Persona Awareness, Relational Awareness, Critical Verification, Academic Agency, and Ethical Reflection. The study concludes that AI literacy encompasses both technical skills and reflective, ethical, and relational competencies, positioning AI as a quasi-social actor in higher education. These findings provide practical implications for AI integration into curricula, promoting responsible, ethical, and effective human-AI communication in academic environments.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijsr

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Computer Science & IT Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Social Sciences

Description

The Journal of Social Research is a double blind peer-reviewed academic journal and open access to social and scientific fields. The journal is published monthly by International Journal Labs. The Journal of Social Research provides a means for sustained discussion of relevant issues that fall ...