Artificial intelligence as an equaliser: How ChatGPT empowers academics in the Global South

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are revolutionising academic work, particularly for researchers in the Global South who often face inequitable access to resources and publishing support. This article explores how AI can empower early-career scholars, non-native English speakers, and unaffiliated researchers by aiding literature review, scientific writing, and language refinement – functions traditionally limited to those with institutional privileges. Drawing a parallel with the historical evolution from library binders to PubMed, the article challenges prevailing scepticism around AI use in academia. It questions the rationale behind journal policies that stigmatise AI-assisted writing, probing whether such resistance stems from genuine ethical concerns or a form of academic gatekeeping rooted in neo-colonial attitudes. Rather than dismiss AI, the article advocates for transparent, ethical use that democratises academic publishing and bridges global disparities in knowledge production.