An MLA Style Center post includes guidance for using and citing generative AI. MLA does not recommend treating AI tools as authors, so citations should skip the author element.
MLA suggests including the general link to the AI tool (e.g., chat.openai.com/chat). However, if you use a third-party linking tool like ShareGPT, MLA recommends using that link instead.
Include the "title of source" element, shortened based on MLA guidelines if needed. For generative AI, the title will usually be a description of what was generated by the AI model.
("Describe the symbolism")
("Green light")
“Title of source" prompt. Name of AI Tool, version, Company, Date content was generated, URL to AI tool or archived content.
“Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald” prompt. ChatGPT 3.5, OpenAI, 26 Feb. 2024, chat.openai.com.
"Green light in The Great Gatsby in a futuristic style" prompt. Stable Diffusion, online version, Black Technology LTD, 28 Feb. 2024, https://stablediffusionweb.com.
Purdue University Artificial Intelligence (AI)
History, Information, and Examples.
Confirm with your course coordinator or check your course syllabus before using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your assessment. Some instructors do not permit the use of AI tools, while others may allow AI with some limitations.
Any permitted use of AI for assessment must be acknowledged appropriately. Your course instructor will provide guidance on how to reference the use of AI tools. Some possible examples include:
https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/chatgpt-and-generative-ai-tools
Acknowledging your use of generative AI may not always involve a formal citation. For example, you could write a description of the tool you used and how you used it. For guidance on how to acknowledge use of AI in assignments, check with your course instructor.
Some citation styles have developed guidelines for citing ChatGPT and other generative AI. Content from generative AI was initially considered a nonrecoverable source because it couldn't be retrieved. If different users give ChatGPT the same prompt, it produces a unique response each time. However, you can now share output from ChatGPT using the linking feature within the tool or a third-party tool such as ShareGPT or AI Archives. These kinds of links can be useful for citing generative AI content. It is important to note that if you use the link feature within ChatGPT, deleting a conversation from your account will also cause the link to break.
The following examples are based on information provided by popular citation styles. As of February 2024, only APA, Chicago, and MLA have posted guidance about citing generative AI. Guidelines may change and new examples may be added. Consult resources specific to the citation style you are using.
https://guides.library.ualberta.ca/generative-ai/citation
AI models sometimes produce incorrect, biased or outdated information. Verify the accuracy of AI-generated content using reliable sources before including it in your work.
Additionally, there may be legal or ethical issues to consider when using AI. Works created by non-humans may not eligible for copyright protection under certain laws. If you intend to publish work incorporating AI-generated content, check the publisher guidelines about what is allowed.
When interacting with AI models, you should be cautious about supplying sensitive information, including personal, confidential or propriety information or data.
https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/chatgpt-and-generative-ai-tools
This page was adapted from by the Using Generative AI guide from the University of Alberta, which is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 DEED.
This page was adapted from ChatGPT and Other Generative AI Tools by the University of Queensland Library, which is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
