Generative AI in Technical Communication: A Review of Research from 2023 to 2024

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 2024

Generative AI in Technical Communication: A Review of Research from 2023 to 2024

Carol Reeves Butler University ; J.J. Sylvia Fitchburg State University

Abstract

Since its release in late 2022, ChatGPT and subsequent generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools have raised a wide variety of questions and concerns for the field of technical communication: How will these tools be incorporated into professional settings? How might we appropriately integrate these tools into our research and teaching? In this review, we examine research published in 2023–2024 addressing these questions ( N = 28). Overall, we find preliminary evidence that GAI tools can positively impact student writing and assessment; they also have the potential to assist with some aspects of academic and medical research and writing. However, there are concerns about their reliability and the ethical conundrums raised when they are used inappropriately or when their outputs cannot be distinguished from humans. More research is needed for evidence-based teaching and research strategies as well as policies guiding ethical use. We offer suggestions for new research avenues and methods.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 2024-10-01
DOI: 10.1177/00472816241260043
Open Access: Closed
Topics: writing across the curriculum artificial intelligence technical communication multilingual writers

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (4)

Braun et al. (2026)

AI Competencies in Technical Communication: A Study of Hiring Trends and Educat…

Technical Communication Quarterly
Verhulsdonck et al. (2026)

Expanding Human-in-the-Loop: Critical Sensemaking for Technical and Professiona…

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Colby (2025)

Playing the digital dialectic game: Writing pedagogy with generative AI

Computers and Composition
Thominet et al. (2024)

Role Play: Conversational Roles as a Framework for Reflexive Practice in AI-Ass…

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (0)

No references match articles in this index.

Also cites 27 works outside this index ↓

10.1007/s00256-023-04340-5

↗
10.1111/1742-6723.14233

↗
10.1186/s41239-023-00427-0

↗
10.1177/23294906231176517

↗
10.1177/23294906231208166

↗
10.1016/j.rmal.2023.100068

↗
10.2478/asn-2023-0023

↗
10.1016/j.acorp.2023.100082

↗
10.1186/s41239-023-00425-2

↗
10.1016/j.mcpdig.2023.05.004

↗
10.1007/s10639-023-12146-0

↗
10.52155/ijpsat.v39.2.5516

↗
10.1038/s41598-023-45644-9

↗
10.1016/j.sipas.2023.100185

↗
10.1186/s40468-023-00260-2

↗
10.3390/languages8040247

↗
Leong A. P. (2023)

10.2478/exell-2023-0008

Explorations in English Language and Linguistics ↗
10.1186/s42492-023-00136-5

↗
10.1177/0261927X231220404

↗
10.1177/0261927X231200201

↗
10.1016/j.rmal.2023.100050

↗
10.54855/ijli.23231

↗
10.3928/01484834-20231006-02

↗
10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1260843

↗
10.1038/d41586-023-00107-z

↗
10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109645

↗
10.3390/languages8030212

↗

CrossRef global citation count: 12 View in citation network →