Mapping the Evolution of Interactive Media Arts: A Bibliometric Analysis of Paradigm Shifts and Trends in Technological Convergence (2004–2024)

Abstract

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the evolution of interactive media arts, with the goal of providing academics with a comprehensive reference for understanding research trends over the last two decades. The primary data source was literature indexed in Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus, with bibliometric visualization tools used to track scholarly advances. Scientific knowledge maps were created using software tools such as VOSviewer, Citespace, and Bibliometrix, with an emphasis on publication timelines, burst detection, cooperation networks, and keyword grouping. The study identified four evolutionary stages in the creation of interactive media arts: technical experimentation, tool popularization, social penetration, and ethical reflection. These stages demonstrate not only the field's technological advancements, but also the paradigm shifts that result from the incorporation of artificial intelligence into co-creative art activities. The findings demonstrate how interactive media arts have evolved from initial technical research to broader social and cultural applications, ending in increased focus on ethical considerations in AI-driven creation. The study underlines the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in generating academic inquiry and practical innovation. By mapping these evolutionary paths, the study adds to our understanding of the dynamics of technological convergence, providing valuable insights for artists, technologists, and politicians. It also lays the groundwork for forecasting future trends and tackling the issues brought by rapid changes in media technologies and creative processes.