Large Language Models in Academia: Bridging Language, Not Impact

Speaker: Yafei Liang

Venue: Room 426, School of Economics, Zijingang Campus

Abstract: This study examines how large language models (LLMs) affect language barriers and disparities in publication outcomes and research impact for English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) scholars. Using the release of ChatGPT-3.5 in November 2022 as a natural experiment, we analyze paper metadata from the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) across seven subject areas. We find that LLM usage increased significantly after November 2022 and that EFL-authored papers show greater improvements in language proficiency than non-EFL papers, particularly in Social Science. However, this improvement in writing quality is accompanied by only a modest increase in publication success and no detectable increase in research impact. These findings highlight both the promise and limitations of LLMs: while language gaps narrow, deeper disparities in scientific impact persist.