Study: Over Half of Peer Reviewers Now Use AI to Evaluate Research
The Spin
Techno-optimist narrative
AI adoption in peer review represents responsible innovation that addresses the overwhelming volume of research publications modern reviewers face. With proper transparency requirements, training and governance frameworks, AI tools enhance efficiency and clarity while supporting methodological rigor. The research community shows strong enthusiasm for AI-assisted review, particularly among early-career researchers and in rapidly growing research regions.
Techno-skeptic narrative
Hidden AI prompts in academic papers expose a crisis in peer review integrity, with researchers deliberately manipulating AI-powered reviewers through invisible text instructions. These prompt injections represent a sophisticated form of peer review manipulation that undermines the entire quality control system of academic publishing. The practice reveals how widespread AI use by reviewers has created new opportunities for misconduct that current research guidelines fail to address.