Artificial Intelligence (AI) is profoundly impacting not only the economic and social development but also the advancement of social sciences. Taking generative AI as an example, this paper explores the far-reaching influence of AI on social science research from the perspectives of theoretical logic, research subjects, paradigms, and the transformation of social science practitioners, and provides an outlook on future trends. The study posits that the impact of generative AI on social sciences tends to manifest in several ways: First, social science research is irreplaceable. Although AI may surpass human intelligence in certain domains, social sciences remain an embodiment of human wisdom, and AI-generated content cannot fully substitute for social science research; Second, the stratification of social science researchers is accelerating. The introduction of AI will lead to an “intelligence divide” among social science researchers, with those who can effectively utilize AI tools producing high-quality outcomes more rapidly; Third, the acceleration of interdisciplinary integration. The development of AI brings new topics to social science research, promoting the swift integration of different disciplines; Fourth, data-driven research. The rise of big data will make data-driven approaches a significant research paradigm in social sciences, altering traditional qualitative and quantitative methods and paving new paths for social science research.