Increasing Use of AI-Generated Content in Manuscript Writing and Its Correlation with Author Profiles: Evidence from Preprints in Large Language Models

Core Concepts

The use of AI-generated content in academic writing has increased since the release of ChatGPT, with scientists from non-English-speaking countries more likely to utilize these tools, while the correlation between AI-generated probability and author academic performance is weak.

Abstract

This study examined the use of AI-generated content (AIGC) in manuscript writing and its correlation with author profiles by analyzing preprints from large language models (LLMs) on arXiv.
Key findings:

Since the release of ChatGPT, the likelihood of abstracts being AI-generated has gradually increased, with nearly 10% of abstracts displaying a high probability of being AI-generated.
Scientists from English-speaking countries are less likely to use AIGC tools for writing assistance, while those from countries with linguistic differences from English are more likely to use these tools.
There is weak correlation between a paper's AI-generated probability and the authors' academic performance, as measured by citation counts, h-index, and other metrics.
Authors who have previously published papers with high AI-generated probabilities are more likely to continue using AIGC tools in the future.

The findings suggest that AIGC tools can help non-native English speakers reduce the complexities of academic writing, promoting equity and collaborative progress in science. However, the ethical and privacy concerns associated with using AIGC tools in scientific publications need more attention.

Stats

The likelihood of abstracts being AI-generated has gradually increased since the release of ChatGPT.
Scientists from non-English-speaking countries are more likely to use AIGC tools for writing assistance.
There is weak correlation between a paper's AI-generated probability and the authors' academic performance.
Authors who have previously published papers with high AI-generated probabilities are more likely to continue using AIGC tools in the future.

Quotes

"AIGC tools do not reflect lower academic standards but, instead, assist non-native English speakers in reducing the complexities of academic writing, thereby facilitating better expression of their ideas."
"Improving English proficiency and academic expression remains beneficial for scientists as AIGC-generated text still varies from human language patterns."
"As contents of scientific publications might contain critical information and confidential content, the ethical and privacy concerns associated with using AIGC tools need more attention."

Key Insights Distilled From

Towards the relationship between AIGC in manuscript writing and author profiles: evidence from preprints in LLMs

by Jialin Liu,Y... at arxiv.org 04-25-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.15799.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the use of AIGC tools in academic writing be regulated or standardized to ensure ethical and responsible practices?

The regulation and standardization of AIGC tools in academic writing are crucial to uphold ethical and responsible practices. One approach could be the development of clear guidelines and policies by academic institutions and publishers regarding the disclosure of AI assistance in manuscript writing. Authors should be required to transparently acknowledge the use of AIGC tools in their work, similar to how conflicts of interest are disclosed. This transparency would help maintain the integrity of academic publications and ensure that readers are aware of the extent of AI involvement in the writing process.
Furthermore, the academic community could establish best practices for the use of AIGC tools, including recommendations on when and how to use these tools appropriately. Training programs and workshops could be organized to educate researchers on the ethical implications of using AI in writing and to promote responsible AI usage. Additionally, peer review processes could be adapted to include assessments of AI-generated content to verify its accuracy and adherence to academic standards.
Collaboration between researchers, AI developers, publishers, and regulatory bodies is essential to create a framework for the ethical and responsible use of AIGC tools in academic writing. By establishing clear guidelines, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of ethical AI usage, the academic community can ensure that AIGC tools enhance, rather than compromise, the quality and credibility of scholarly work.

What are the potential long-term implications of the widespread adoption of AIGC tools on the academic publishing landscape and the integrity of scientific research?

The widespread adoption of AIGC tools in academic writing has the potential to significantly impact the academic publishing landscape and the integrity of scientific research in the long term. One major implication is the transformation of the writing process, with AI tools becoming integral to drafting, editing, and reviewing scholarly manuscripts. This shift could lead to increased efficiency in manuscript preparation, reduced language barriers for non-native English speakers, and improved accessibility to academic publishing for researchers worldwide.
However, the growing reliance on AIGC tools raises concerns about the authenticity and originality of scholarly work. There is a risk that AI-generated content may lack the critical thinking, creativity, and unique perspectives that are essential in academic writing. This could potentially lead to a homogenization of writing styles and a decrease in the diversity of voices and ideas in academic publications.
Moreover, the use of AIGC tools may raise ethical issues related to plagiarism, authorship attribution, and intellectual property rights. Ensuring proper attribution of AI-generated content, distinguishing between human and AI contributions, and safeguarding against misuse of AI in research are critical challenges that need to be addressed to maintain the integrity of scientific research.
In the long term, the academic community will need to adapt to the evolving landscape of AI-assisted writing by developing robust guidelines, ethical frameworks, and quality control mechanisms to preserve the credibility and trustworthiness of academic publications.

How can the benefits of AIGC tools in improving accessibility and inclusivity in academic writing be balanced with the need to maintain the authenticity and originality of scholarly work?

Balancing the benefits of AIGC tools in improving accessibility and inclusivity in academic writing with the need to maintain the authenticity and originality of scholarly work requires a thoughtful and nuanced approach. One strategy is to emphasize the role of AIGC tools as aids rather than replacements for human creativity and critical thinking. Researchers should view AI as a tool to enhance their writing process, offering support in language refinement, structure, and coherence, while preserving the unique voice and insights of the author.
To maintain authenticity and originality, researchers should critically evaluate and revise AI-generated content to ensure that it aligns with their research goals, arguments, and scholarly contributions. Authors should be encouraged to engage actively in the writing process, incorporating their expertise, perspectives, and interpretations into the manuscript, rather than relying solely on AI-generated text.
Furthermore, promoting transparency and disclosure of AI assistance in academic writing is essential to uphold academic integrity. Authors should clearly indicate the extent of AI involvement in their work, acknowledge any AI-generated content, and provide context for readers to distinguish between human and AI contributions.
By fostering a culture of responsible AI usage, encouraging active authorship, and promoting transparency, the academic community can harness the benefits of AIGC tools to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in academic writing while safeguarding the authenticity and originality of scholarly work.