Artificial intelligence in writing: unveiling a research landscape

Abstract

This study examines the expanding research landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing, a field that continues to reshape the way ideas are produced, refined, and communicated. While AI has been widely examined in education and technology, limited research has mapped its thematic evolution and ethical dimensions in writing. To address this gap, 1,596 publications indexed in Scopus between 2021 and 2024 were analyzed using bibliometric mapping tools such as Scopus analyzer and VOSviewer. The analysis covers publication patterns, collaboration networks, and keyword relationships to trace the intellectual structure of the field. The results indicate a sharp increase in scholarly output over the past four years, supported by contributions from multiple disciplines, including computer science, social sciences, and education. Several thematic clusters were identified, centering on AI-assisted creative writing, authorship ethics, educational use, and cross-sector innovation. Despite these advances, ethical frameworks and responsible AI applications in writing remain underexplored. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of current trends and presents a foundation for future research on how AI can be integrated into writing practices responsibly and in ways that uphold human creativity and academic integrity.