AI Tsunami: How Artificial Intelligence is Overwhelming Scientific Journals

The use of AI in scientific paper submissions has surged by 42% since ChatGPT's release, leading to a decline in writing quality, a study reveals. Organization Science journal reports increased AI-generated content, straining the peer-review system and offering minimal writing benefits for non-native English authors.

Since the release of ChatGPT in late 2022, there has been a 42% increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in submissions to a major academic journal, a new study reveals. The rise in AI-generated content has been associated with a decline in writing quality, according to researchers.

The study, which analyzed nearly 7,000 abstracts submitted to the Organization Science journal from January 2021 to February 2026, sheds light on the early impacts of AI on scientific publishing. The increase in low-quality papers has burdened the peer-review system, which is primarily supported by volunteer efforts.

Despite expectations, AI has not significantly leveled the field for non-native English authors or newcomers. Additionally, AI-based reviews were found to be inferior to human reviews. The study concludes that current AI tools may shift the academic publishing system toward producing more research with less emphasis on quality.