Digital Technologies Research and Applications

Review

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence Tools on Developing and Improving Academic Writing

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https://doi.org/10.54963/dtra.v5i2.2136
AL Roshdi, A., Awae, F., & Yussuf, A. (2026). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence Tools on Developing and Improving Academic Writing. Digital Technologies Research and Applications, 5(2), 179–197. https://doi.org/10.54963/dtra.v5i2.2136
Volume 5 Issue 2: June 2026 (in progress)
Copyright (c) 2026 Aaisha AL Roshdi, Fareed Awae, Ahmad Yussuf
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Authors

  • Aaisha AL Roshdi

    Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
  • Fareed Awae

    Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
  • Ahmad Yussuf

    Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

Received: 22 December 2025; Revised: 23 February 2026; Accepted: 12 March 2026; Published: 9 May 2026

This study explores how artificial intelligence (AI) tools influence the development and improvement of academic writing practices in higher education. To address this objective, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to examine scholarly work related to the use of AI in academic writing. An initial search identified 199 documents, from which 32 studies were retained after applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria based on methodological rigor, relevance, and thematic alignment with the research focus. The review integrates systematic literature review procedures with bibliometric and narrative synthesis approaches to examine publication patterns, leading countries and institutions, dominant theoretical perspectives, and emerging research directions in this field. The findings indicate that AI tools increasingly support academic writing through functions such as language generation, editing assistance, idea organization, and improved research efficiency. At the same time, literature highlights important ethical, methodological, and pedagogical challenges that accompany the growing adoption of AI technologies in academic environments. The analysis further identifies several research gaps, particularly in relation to academic integrity, institutional governance, and the development of AI literacy among students and researchers. In response, the study proposes a set of practical recommendations aimed at promoting responsible and effective use of AI in academic writing. These include the development of structured training programmers, clearer institutional guidelines on ethical AI use, and stronger collaboration among educational institutions to enhance responsible technological integration and support the advancement of scientific research.

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence Academic Writing Systematic Literature Review (SLR)

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