Unveiling Trends of Chatbot and Conversational Agents: A Bibliometric Study

Abstract Recent years have seen remarkable growth and diversification in the study of chatbots and conversational agents. This research employs bibliometric and network -analytical methodology to thoroughly investigate the latest trends and themes in chatbot technology, a topic that has gained prominence in contemporary research discourse. The primary aim for this paper is to examine the evolution, prevailing trends, and provide an extensive overview of the chatbot field. Using the Web of Science core collection database, this study evaluates articles published from 1980 to 2024 by scanning over 7327 journal articles, ultimately focusing on 2622 key articles from prominent journals, institutions, and authors in the field. Key findings indicate a consistent increase in publication count related to chatbots recently. The study also identifies discrimination for critical areas such as advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing and underscores the importance of quantitatively assessing their impact and applications in diverse areas. Additionally, it sheds light on the collaboration among researchers, institutions, and nations in the development of this field. Furthermore, an analysis of written abstracts indicates a concentrated effort on enhancing user interactions and the technological progression of chatbots. The findings of this study provide insight into various sectors related to the development of chatbot technology in digital communication and AI advancement. Therefore, this bibliometric analysis offers a unique and in-depth view of the evolving chatbot research landscape, serving as a valuable guide for future research and strategic planning in this rapidly advancing area.