The use of generative AI tools in your research and writing is not recommended due to the inability to trace content back to the original sources to check accuracy and authenticity. In fact, at this stage in its development it has been shown repeatedly to invent citations for sources that do not actually exist, but that look highly convincing (e.g., authored by a real expert in the relevant field). Other current limitations of generative AI tools include information bias reflecting historical internet inputs, unsettled copyright infringement law, and input corpus dating from 2021 and earlier (i.e., information not up-to-date).
If you choose to use AI tools in your research or writing, you must cite it as thoroughly as possible, including such elements as generative AI tool name, date, prompt(s) used and URL. Here is a link to current MLA guidelines on citing generative AI tools.
Sample MLA 9 ChatGPT citation:
“Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott
Fitzgerald” prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023,
chat.openai.com/chat.
