Citing AI Tools: A Guide to Proper Attribution
Should You Cite AI Tools?
The straightforward answer is that if you’re using generative AI for research purposes, disclosure is probably not necessary. However, attribution is probably required if you use ChatGPT or another AI tool for composition.
Distinguishing Between Research and Composition
If you’re using generative AI as a kind of unreliable encyclopedia that can point you toward other sources or broaden your perspective on a topic, but not as part of the actual writing, you think that’s less problematic and unlikely to leave the stench of deception. Always double-check any facts you run across in the chatbot’s outputs, and never reference a ChatGPT output or Perplexity page as a primary source of truth.
When to Use Attribution
Let’s say you decide to use a chatbot to sketch out a first draft, or have it come up with writing/images/audio/video to blend with yours. In this case, I think erring on the side of disclosure is smart. Even the Dominos cheese sticks in the Uber Eats app now include a disclaimer that the food description was generated by AI and may list inaccurate ingredients.
Considering the Audience
Every time you use AI for creation, and in some cases for research, you should be honing in on the second question. Essentially, ask yourself if the reader or viewer would feel tricked by learning later on that portions of what they experienced were generated by AI. If so, you should use proper attribution by explaining how you used the tool, out of respect for your audience.
Conclusion
By considering the people who are going to be enjoying your work and your intentions for creating it in the first place, you can add context to your AI usage. That context is helpful for getting through tricky situations. In most cases, a work email generated by AI and proofread by you is probably just fine. Even so, using generative AI to draft a condolence email after a death would be an example of insensitivity—and something that has actually happened. If a human on the other side of the communication is seeking to connect with you on a personal, emotional level, consider closing out of that ChatGPT browser tab and pulling out a notepad and pen.
FAQs
Q: How do I use AI tools responsibly and ethically?
A: Start by reflecting on whether you’re using AI for research or composition, and whether the recipient of your output might feel misled if they knew it was generated by AI.
Q: Do the advantages of AI outweigh the threats?
A: It depends on how you use AI. If you’re using it to draft a condolence email, that’s probably not a good idea. But if you’re using it to generate ideas or improve your writing process, that’s a different story.
Q: How can educators teach adolescents how to use AI tools responsibly and ethically?
A: Educators can start by teaching students about the importance of attribution, and how to use AI tools in a way that respects the audience and the creative process.
