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Bibliometric Mapping Of AI-Supported Social Presence In Online Learning Environments: Trends, Collaboration, And Thematic Directions

Almer Balingit Gamboa, Pampanga State University
Erika Mamucud Pineda, Pampanga State University
Rhiziel P. Manalese, Pampanga State University
Aileen Pobre De Leon, Pampanga State University
Vernon Grace M. Maniago, Pampanga State University
Jan Henry Beltran Sunga, Pampanga State University
Agnes Romero Regala, Pampanga State University
Roque Francis Badajos Dianelo, Pampanga State University
John Paul P. Miranda, Pampanga State University
Date
Publisher
arXiv
Link
https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.27344v1
This study examines the development, influence, and collaboration patterns in AI-supported social presence research within online learning environments. Utilizing 59 open-access empirical studies from Scopus, the study applies citation analysis, co-authorship mapping, institutional analysis, and keyword clustering using Python-based bibliometric tools. Findings reveal an upward trend in publications since 2020, with research focusing on engagement, AI tools, instructional design, and ethical issues. While countries such as the United States and Brazil are leading contributors, international collaboration remains limited. Ethical concerns related to trust and fairness are emerging but underexplored. The study highlights the importance of ethical integration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and learner-centered AI applications in education.
Study at a glance
  • Question: How has empirical research on AI-supported social presence in online learning developed, collaborated, and evolved over time?
  • Setting and data: 59 open-access empirical studies indexed in Scopus, searched in February 2025, covering publications from 2006 to 2024.
  • Method: Bibliometric analysis using citation analysis, co-authorship mapping, and keyword clustering.
Why it matters

Social presence is essential for online student engagement and outcomes, but creating it remains difficult without face-to-face contact. While AI tools may help simulate human interaction, broader research on how AI systematically supports social presence remains limited.

Key findings
  • Research output rose sharply after 2020, increasing from 2 to 4 annual publications earlier to a peak of 13 studies in 2024.
  • The United States led global contributions with 26 documents, followed by Brazil with 12, but international collaboration across research teams remains limited.
  • Thematic analysis revealed four main research clusters centered on student engagement, AI tools, instructional design frameworks, and emerging technologies with ethical considerations.

Summary drafted with AI from the full paper and may contain errors. See the full paper for details.

What is the application?
Learning – Student Support,
Communicating / Social Tools
Who age?
Post-Secondary
Why use AI?
Outcomes – Differentiation,
Outcomes – Social Emotional,
Other
Study design
Systematic Review
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