Global Trends in Literacy Research for Students: A Bibliometric Analysis (2021–2025)

This study investigates the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy research for students from 2021 to 2025. While AI literacy is increasingly recognized as a vital 21st- century competency, its research landscape remains fragmented across diverse disciplines. Using a bibliometric approach on 99 Scopus- indexed documents, this analysis identifies critical thematic shifts moving from basic conceptual frameworks to the integration of generative AI and ethical citizenship. The findings reveal a significant increase in publications during the last five years, with Social Sciences (42.3%) and Computer Science (23.3%) as the dominant fields. The Education University of Hong Kong emerged as the leading institution, while China and Hong Kong contributed the most publications, followed by the United States, South Korea, and Indonesia. Keyword analysis highlights three main clusters: curriculum and individual learning factors, the integration of emerging technologies such as generative AI and ChatGPT, and the application of AI literacy in schools and communities with a strong ethical orientation. Author collaboration networks show dense linkages, indicating the existence of cohesive research communities. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive and up-to-date mapping of AI literacy research, offering strategic insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers in developing adaptive curricula and ethical practices in the era of artificial intelligence.