The key purpose for citing and referencing encompasses:
- scholars' responsibility in giving credit to other authors and acknowledging their ideas;
- avoiding plagiarism by quoting words and ideas used by other authors;
- guiding readers to the bibliography or reference list.
AI generated content (text, images, video) is still be produced by other(s) and doesn't represent your ideas or text. Where the use is permitted, you have to:
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properly acknowledge AI generated content. Cite outputs and disclose the uses of GenAI tools (e.g., generating ideas, data processing, paraphrasing, editing, or translation);
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verify GenAI outputs. If the outputs provide sources, review them; GenAI tools can fabricate sources and generate improper citations.
The discussion on how to cite generated content is evolving. The guidelines given for the reference styles might contradict from citing AI as an author or software, to the recommendation to find the original source or refer to AI as to personal communication. Some also recommend to enclose the log or transcript of conversation with AI tools (prompts and generated answer). It is good to always ask the instructor and refer to the official guidelines.
