The rapid emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools has transformed academic writing practices across educational institutions worldwide. Technologies such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other large language models have introduced new possibilities for drafting, editing, summarizing, referencing, and language enhancement. This study examines the influence of generative AI tools on academic writing skills among students and researchers. A mixed-method approach involving survey responses from 450 university students and interviews with 35 faculty members was employed. Results indicate that AI tools significantly improve writing efficiency, grammar accuracy, and idea generation. However, concerns regarding academic integrity, overreliance, critical thinking reduction, and originality remain substantial. The findings suggest that while AI can function as a valuable academic assistant, proper guidelines and digital literacy training are essential to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. The study contributes to ongoing discussions regarding responsible AI integration in higher education.