How Much AI Is Too Much in Scholarly Publishing?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the scholarly publishing industry, improving workflows from manuscript preparation to peer review. AI-powered tools offer faster turnaround times, enhanced language quality, and greater efficiency for both authors and publishers. However, as AI becomes more integrated into the publishing process, a critical question emerges: how much AI is too much?

AI should be seen as a powerful support tool, not a substitute for human expertise. Overdependence on AI may compromise academic integrity, editorial standards, and the trust that underpins scholarly communication.

The Expanding Role of AI in Publishing

Today, AI is involved in nearly every stage of the publication process. Authors use AI to assist with drafting manuscripts, checking grammar, translating text, and summarizing findings. Some publishers leverage AI to detect plagiarism, edit formatting, tag metadata, and even screen submissions for peer review.

Used responsibly, these tools enhance clarity and efficiency. For researchers writing in a second language, AI can level the playing field by helping ensure their work is professionally presented. Editors benefit from faster assessments and improved manuscript quality before peer review.

The Benefits and the Boundaries

Where AI is most effective:

• Automating formatting and citation checks
• Improving metadata accuracy and searchability
• Supporting editors with initial manuscript screening
• Enhancing publishing workflows

Where AI should not take the lead:

• Generating original research content
• Interpreting data or methodology
• Conducting peer reviews
• Making ethical or scientific judgments

Generative AI, while impressive, often lacks the nuanced understanding required for scholarly writing. It may produce text that sounds fluent but contains inaccuracies, shallow analysis, or fabricated sources. This raises concerns about the reliability of AI-generated content, especially when its use is not transparently disclosed.

Many leading publishers are addressing these concerns by updating their submission policies. For example, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) advises authors to disclose all AI assistance used in manuscript preparation.

Human Expertise Is Irreplaceable

Despite its many capabilities, AI cannot replicate human insight. Peer reviewers and editors bring critical thinking, subject expertise, and ethical judgment to the publishing process. They can detect logical flaws, assess methodological soundness, and offer constructive feedback that AI is not equipped to provide.

At eContent Pro, every manuscript is reviewed and refined by human editors. Our team ensures that each document meets the highest academic and language standards, maintaining integrity at every stage.

Striking the Right Balance

So, how much AI is too much? The answer depends on how the technology is used. When AI is applied transparently, ethically, and in service of human-led research, it can be a valuable asset. However, when it replaces critical thinking or compromises authenticity, it becomes a liability.

Authors, reviewers, and publishers must work together to define ethical AI use, maintain transparency, and preserve trust in scholarly publishing.

AI: Helpful Tool in Scholarly Publishing or Ethical Troublemaker?

In September 2024, eContent Pro co-hosted a webinar with IGI Global Scientific Publishing titled Artificial Intelligence: Helpful Tool in Scholarly Publishing or Ethical Troublemaker? In this virtual event, experts in the field explored the transformative impact of AI in scholarly publishing, including opportunities and drawbacks, controversial applications, implementation possibilities, ethical concerns, future considerations, and more. Learn more and watch the free on-demand virtual event here.

About eContent Pro

Headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, eContent Pro is a trusted global provider of high-quality professional copy editing and editorial services tailored for academic and professional authors. Since 2015, we have proudly supported thousands of writers, researchers, and editors in enhancing the clarity, accuracy, and impact of their written work. From manuscripts and journal articles to book chapters and beyond, our team of expert editors ensure each document is meticulously refined to meet the highest standards of publication. With a strong commitment to speed, precision, and personalized care, eContent Pro delivers flawless publication-ready content to authors across a variety of disciplines.

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