Information Systems (IS) have played a pivotal role in empowering humanity, from enhancing education and healthcare to improving social equality. Given the rapid expansion of IS research, it is essential to explore the theoretical and practical contributions within this field using bibliometric tools to uncover trends and influential works. The aim is to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to identify the key theoretical and practical trends in IS research that contribute to societal empowerment. From 2004–2024, 627 articles, sourced from Scopus databases was analysed, using VOS Viewer and RStudio to map citation networks, co-authorship, and thematic clusters focusing on identifying key trends, influential authors, and evolving themes in IS. Results indicate that a significant shift towards practical applications aimed at social empowerment, with strong trends emerging in digital inclusion, health informatics, and sustainable development. It also highlights key contributors and networks that have shaped the field over the years. In conclusion, it provides valuable insights into the evolution of IS research, in its impact on societal well-being. The findings suggest new avenues for future research and importance of integrating theoretical insights with practical applications to further empower communities globally.