Assessing the Role of AI in Digital Image Manipulation and Facial Recognition: A Scientometric Analysis

Abstract

The swift progression of artificial intelligence (AI), especially in the realm of computer vision, has notably enhanced the abilities of digital image editing and facial recognition technologies in various fields, including healthcare, security, and the preservation of cultural heritage. This research provides a scientometric evaluation of AI-fuelled advancements in facial recognition, image improvement, deepfake identification, and heritage categorization by reviewing literature published between 2016 and 2025 from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Utilizing VOSviewer and RStudio (Biblioshiny), we examined 418 documents to pinpoint significant research trends, prominent contributors, thematic groups, and international partnerships. The findings indicate that China, India, and the USA are at the forefront of scientific productivity, displaying a rise in global collaboration. Principal areas of interest encompass the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in medical diagnostics and cultural heritage classification, the creation of effective deepfake detection systems employing data augmentation and transfer learning, and the role of AI in forensic examination and digital restoration tasks. Co-occurrence and factorial analyses illustrate a significant alignment between technological advancements and practical uses while underscoring persistent issues related to algorithmic bias and ethical implementation. This study provides a thorough summary of the research landscape, highlights new areas of emphasis, and suggests pathways for future interdisciplinary inquiry and responsible advancement in AI-driven image technologies.