The Rising Influence of AI in Higher Education: Trends and Insights from a Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the evolution, scope, and orientation of the scientific production on artificial intelligence applications in university students. The methodology, with a non-experimental design and qualitative approach, involved a search in Scopus, identifying 643 documents between 1975-2024, analyzed through VOSviewer and Bibliometrix. The results show an emerging field, but with rapid growth (4.59% per year), with notoriety of Kong, Abdulrahman and Chai. Research is predominantly in computer science (61%), social sciences (33%) and engineering (23%) from China, USA, Spain and Taiwan. Current applications focus on the use of AI in education, machine learning, support for academic decisions and student mental health. However, it is necessary to expand the approach towards ethical and regulatory aspects and the evaluation of multifaceted effects on different student profiles. In conclusion, although production is growing rapidly, more comprehensive perspectives are required to responsibly enhance the impact of these technologies on the university educational experience.