Hot topics and frontiers in AI and communication research

Marina R. Zheltukhina 1 * , Vasil N. Farrakhov 2, Nataliya N. Drobysheva 3, Larisa I. Tararina 4 5, Natalya S. Erokhova 6, Alla A. Filippova 7, Natalya Y. Garnova 7
More Detail
1 Scientific and Educational Center “Person in Communication”, Pyatigorsk State University, Pyatigorsk, RUSSIA
2 Department of Economics and Enterprise Management, Almetyevsk State Technological University “Petroleum High School”, Almetyevsk, RUSSIA
3 Department of English for Professional Communication, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, RUSSIA
4 Department of Foreign Languages, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, RUSSIA
5 Department of Foreign Languages and Culture, Russian State Social University, Moscow, RUSSIA
6 Institute of Foreign Languages, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, RUSSIA
7 Department of Chemistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, RUSSIA
* Corresponding Author
Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: e202650. https://doi.org/10.30935/ojcmt/19271
OPEN ACCESS   22 Views   6 Downloads   Published online: 17 Sep 2026
Download Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is constantly increasing across communication research and practice, yet no study has systematically mapped the hot topics and evolving frontiers of this literature over the past decade. This paper addresses this gap by examining the status and development of AI and communication research based on publication and citation data from the Web of Science (WoS) database from 2015 to 2025. Using a purposive sampling strategy, researchers searched the WoS database with the keywords “artificial intelligence,” “AI,” “communication,” “bibliometrics,” “bibliometric analysis,” and “research trends,” restricting the search to English-language, peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. Bibliometric mapping (VOSviewer and CiteSpace) was applied to 499 articles to identify hot topics and trace the evolution of research frontiers. Six thematic clusters emerged: AI and big data in communication, algorithms and automation in journalism, dissemination of information in social media, the risks of disinformation, the social and cultural impact of generative AI, and the ethical dimensions of synthetic texts. The six identified themes accounted for 196, 128, 84, 20, 8, and 3 documents, respectively, with cluster 0 (AI, ChatGPT, and generative AI in communication) emerging as the dominant research focus after 2023, alongside the growing presence of other generative AI systems such as Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot in communication-related applications. The evolution of research frontiers revealed three phases: an early operational phase focused on algorithms and automation in journalism (2015-2021), followed by a phase centered on deep learning-based applications, and a third phase (2022-2025) marked by large-scale language models (ChatGPT) and generative AI in creative content production and language-based communication.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, communication, bibliometrics, bibliometric analysis, research trends

CITATION

Zheltukhina, M. R., Farrakhov, V. N., Drobysheva, N. N., Tararina, L. I., Erokhova, N. S., Filippova, A. A., & Garnova, N. Y. (2026). Hot topics and frontiers in AI and communication research. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 16(4), e202650. https://doi.org/10.30935/ojcmt/19271

REFERENCES

  • Ahmad, A. & Prasad, P. V. S. (2024). A systematic review of communication augmented by human intelligence and artificial intelligence. In H. Kannan, R. Rodriguez, Z. Paprika, & A. Ade-Ibijola (Eds.), Exploring ethical dimensions of environmental sustainability and use of AI (pp. 1-27). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-0892-9.ch001
  • Ardhianto, P., & Nababan, R. S. (2023). Artificial intelligence approach in visual design ideation process. In Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Arts and Design Education (pp. 112-117). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-100-5_17
  • Asif, M., & Gouqing, Z. (2024). Innovative application of artificial intelligence in a multi-dimensional communication research analysis: A critical review. Discover Artificial Intelligence, 4, Article 37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-024-00134-3
  • Atar, N. (2025). Artificial intelligence and the transformation in political communication and campaigns: Ethical debates, analyses, and cases. In E. Saka (Ed.), Understanding generative AI in a cultural context: Artificial myths and human realities (pp. 461-490). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-7235-7.ch019
  • Bani-Hani, A., Adedugbe, O., Benkhelifa, E., & Majdalawieh, M. (2021). Fandet semantic model: An OWL ontology for context-based fake news detection on social media. In M. Lahby, A. S. K. Pathan, Y. Maleh, & W. M. S. Yafooz (Eds.), Combating fake news with computational intelligence techniques. Studies in computational intelligence, vol 1001 (pp. 91-125). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90087-8_5
  • Bardus, M., Kabakian-Khasholian, T., & Kanj, M. (2024). Health communication research in the Arab world: A bibliometric analysis. Discover Health Systems, 3, Article 51. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44250-024-00112-7
  • Bhutani, V., Bahadur, P. S., Sansaniwal, S. K., & Bais, P. (2024). Youth studes in the AI era: Navigating uncharted territory. In Z. Zaremohzzabieh, R. Abdullah, & S. Ahrari (Eds.), Exploring youth studies in the age of AI (pp. 407-428). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-3350-1.ch022
  • Bodó, B. (2021). Selling news to audiences – A qualitative inquiry into the emerging logics of algorithmic news personalization in European quality news media. In N. Thurman, S. C. Lewis, & J. Kunert (Eds.), Algorithms, automation, and news (pp. 75-96). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003099260-5
  • Broussard, M., Diakopoulos, N., Guzman, A. L., Abebe, R., Dupagne, M., & Chuan, C. (2019). Artificial intelligence and journalism. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 96(3), 673-695. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077699019859901
  • Calvo-Rubio, L., & Ufarte-Ruiz, M. (2021). Artificial intelligence and journalism: Systematic review of scientific production in Web of Science and Scopus (2008-2019). Communication & Society, 34(2), 159-176. https://doi.org/10.15581/003.34.2.159-176
  • Carlson, M. (2015). The robotic reporter. Digital Journalism, 3(3), 416-431. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2014.976412
  • Diakopoulos, N. (2019). Automating the news: How algorithms are rewriting the media. Harvard University Press.
  • Dörr, K. N. (2016). Mapping the field of algorithmic journalism. Digital Journalism, 4(6), 700-722. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2015.1096748
  • Fernández, M., & Alani, H. (2021). Artificial intelligence and online extremism: Challenges and opportunities. In J. McDaniel, & K. Pease (Eds.), Predictive policing and artificial intelligence (pp. 132-162). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429265365-7
  • Grover, P., & Kar, A. K. (2020). “#Government” – Understanding dissemination, transparency, participation, collaboration and engagement on Twitter for citizens. In S. K. Sharma, Y. K. Dwivedi, B. Metri, & N. P. Rana (Eds.), Re-imagining diffusion and adoption of information technology and systems: A continuing conversation. TDIT 2020. IFIP advances in information and communication technology, vol 617 (pp. 365-374). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64849-7_33
  • Guzman, A. L., & Lewis, S. C. (2020). Artificial intelligence and communication: A human-machine communication research agenda. New Media & Society, 22(1), 70-86. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444819858691
  • Hajj, R. A., Fiset, J., ElMelegy, A. R., & Gibreel, O. (2024). An in-depth bibliometric exploration of research on “bullshit” communication. International Journal of Business Communication, 63(3), 1049-1083. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294884241290216
  • Ibrahim, F., Münscher, J.-C., Daseking, M., & Telle, N.-T. (2025). The technology acceptance model and adopter type analysis in the context of artificial intelligence. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2024.1496518
  • Ishmuradova, A. M., Svintsova, M. N., Kondakchian, N. A., Zaitseva, N. A., Sokolova, N. L., & Khairullina, E. R. (2023). A bibliometric overview of science communication research in STEM education. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 13(4), Article e202341. https://doi.org/10.30935/ojcmt/13415
  • Lahby, M., Aqil, S., Yafooz, W. M. S., & Abakarim, Y. (2021). Online fake news detection using machine learning techniques: A systematic mapping study. In M. Lahby, A. S. K. Pathan, Y. Maleh, & W. M. S. Yafooz (Eds.), Combating fake news with computational intelligence techniques. Studies in computational intelligence, vol 1001 (pp. 3-37). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90087-8_1
  • Lee, F. Y., & Chan, T. J. (2023). Establishing credibility in AI chatbots: The importance of customization, communication competency and user satisfaction. In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Communication, Language, Education and Social Sciences (pp. 88-106). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-196-8_9
  • Lee, Y.-J., Oh, J., & Hong, C. (2024). Exploratory research on understanding university students’ artificial intelligence literacy in a Korean university. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 14(3), Article e202440. https://doi.org/10.30935/ojcmt/14711
  • Lewis, S. C., Guzman, A. L., & Schmidt, T. R. (2019). Automation, journalism, and human-machine communication: Rethinking roles and relationships of humans and machines in news. Digital Journalism, 7(4), 409-427. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2019.1577147
  • Li, C., Ali, M. N. S., Rizal, A. R. B. A., & Xu, J. (2024). A bibliometric analysis of media convergence in the twenty-first century: Current status, hotspots, and trends. Studies in Media and Communication, 13(1), Article 313. https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v13i1.7236
  • Liberati, A., Altman, D. G., Tetzlaff, J., Mulrow, C., Gøtzsche, P. C., Ioannidis, J. P., Clarke, M., Devereaux, P. J., Kleijnen, J., & Moher, D. (2009). The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate healthcare interventions: Explanation and elaboration. BMJ, 339, Article b2700. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b2700
  • Louis, S., & Nah, S. (2023). A systematic review of scholarship in ai and communication research (1990-2022). In S. Nah (Ed.), Research handbook on artificial intelligence and communication (pp. 2-28). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781803920306.00008
  • Luo, Y., Mohamad, E. M. W., Azlan, A. A., & Li, Y. (2025). Mapping research trends in social media integration into health communication practices: A bibliometric analysis (2014-2024). Studies in Media and Communication, 13(3), Article 342. https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v13i3.7748
  • Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, Article n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
  • Pavlik, J. V. (2023). Collaborating with ChatGPT: Considering the implications of generative artificial intelligence for journalism and media education. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, 78(1), 84-93. https://doi.org/10.1177/10776958221149577
  • Puente, T. (2023). Factchequeado: Fake news in Spanish knows no borders. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Communication and Applied Technologies 2023 (pp. 214-225). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-254-5_22
  • Rožukalne, A. (2020). Disinformation/fake news. In P. Harris, A. Bitonti, C. S. Fleisher, & A. Skorkjær Binderkrantz (Eds.), The Palgrave encyclopedia of interest groups, lobbying and public affairs (pp. 1-10). Palgrave Macmillan). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13895-0_116-1
  • Sien, K. L., Ahmad, M., & Lyn, O. S. (2023). Developing a conceptual model on public engagement through the government social media in Malaysia. In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Communication, Language, Education and Social Sciences (pp. 5-16). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-196-8_2
  • Singh, J., Singh, S. K., Kumar, S., Singh, S. P., Kumar, R., Bansal, S., & Chui, K. T. (2025). The influence of AI on social interactions and community dynamics. In B. Gupta (Ed.), Unveiling social dynamics and community Interaction in the metaverse (pp. 197-220). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-8628-6.ch010
  • Situmorang, T. P., & Ritonga, A. D. (2025). TikTok and politics: A bibliometric mapping of research trends. Studies in Media and Communication, 13(3), Article 212. https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v13i3.7616
  • Sundar, S. S. (2020). Rise of machine agency: A framework for studying the psychology of human-AI interaction (HAII). Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 25(1), 74-88. https://doi.org/10.1093/jcmc/zmz026
  • Thurman, N., Dörr, K., & Kunert, J. (2017). When reporters get hands-on with robo-writing. Digital Journalism, 5(10), 1240-1259. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2017.1289819
  • van Dalen, A. (2012). The algorithms behind the headlines. Journalism Practice, 6(5-6), 648-658. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2012.667268
  • van Eck, N. J., & Waltman, L. (2010). Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping. Scientometrics, 84(2), 523-538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-009-0146-3
  • Wibisono, B. I., Nurkhasanah, D. S., Saphire, A. O., & Resdifianti, F. (2023). Polarizing global perceptions of 2022 floods in Pakistan. In Proceedings of the International Conference On Multidisciplinary Studies (pp. 145-155). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-072-5_15
  • Wogu, I. A. P., Misra, S., Roland-Otaru, C. O., Udoh, O. D., Awogu-Maduagwu, E., & Damasevicius, R. (2020). Human rights’ issues and media/communication theories in the wake of artificial intelligence technologies: The fate of electorates in twenty-first-century American politics. In T. Sengodan, M. Murugappan, & S. Misra (Eds.), Advances in electrical and computer technologies. Lecture notes in electrical engineering, vol 672 (pp. 319-333). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-5558-9_30