The advancement in generative artificial intelligence technologies, as illustrated by ChatGPT, signifies not only technological progress but also the emergence of novel themes and nuanced interpretations of longstanding issues, giving rise to a distinctive problematic domain. In 2023, scholars extensively deliberated on ChatGPT’s applications, exploring its potential social ramifications, alterations in human-machine dynamics, shifts in living environments, and more. This led to in-depth exploration and reflection. Utilizing criteria such as topical freshness, theoretical innovation, and research depth, this paper distills six key themes from the pivotal journals of new media studies in 2023. These encompass the evolving relationships and interactions between humans and machines, novel mechanisms for knowledge production, intelligent machines, media objects (including technological and virtual entities), new media in rural settings, and the exploration of “short videos + live streaming.” Despite the constraints of limited data, the paper categorizes and succinctly reviews these themes, aiming to provide a valuable reference for researchers in the field.