JEELS (Journal of English Education and Linguistics Studies)
Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026): JEELS November 2026

The impact of generative AI on creative and structural academic writing: Enhancing originality, compliance, and autonomy in English language learning

Galuh Dwi Ajeng (STKIP PGRI Bandar Lampung)
Febriyantina Istiara (STKIP PGRI Bandar Lampung)
Aksendro Maximilian (Universitas Lampung)
Tommy Hastomo (STKIP PGRI Bandar Lampung)
Andri Wicaksono (STKIP PGRI Bandar Lampung)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Jul 2026

Abstract

The integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing instruction has transformed how students develop both creative and academic writing skills. However, its widespread use raises concerns about overreliance, which may affect students’ autonomy and critical thinking. This study investigates: (1) the impact of GenAI on creative writing quality, particularly originality, cognitive flexibility, and expressive innovation; (2) its role in enhancing structural academic writing, including coherence, organization, and grammatical accuracy; and (3) students’ perceptions of autonomy and dependence in AI-assisted writing. Using a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, the study involved 80 undergraduate students divided into experimental and control groups. Quantitative data were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests and MANOVA, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that GenAI significantly improves both creative and structural writing performance while fostering learner autonomy, although risks of emerging dependency remain. Overall, this study highlights the importance of a balanced and pedagogically guided integration of GenAI to enhance writing quality while sustaining students’ creativity, autonomy, and critical thinking.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jeels

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

JEELS aims to disseminate the results of research in English Education and Linguistics. The published articles are the findings of research in the field of English language education and linguistics. The scope of research includes: English language teaching and learning English language testing and ...