In most cases, AI writing tools should not be used as an academic source of information. If used, it is always best to cite the original sources the tool lists as its citations, especially because AI tools often generate false citations (also known as "hallucinations").
However, if Generative AI is permitted for use in an assignment, instructors may want it cited when appropriate.
The main three citation styles, APA, MLA, and CMS all consider AI-generated text as "personal communication." This means the text generated by AI tools often cannot be verified, replicated, retrieved, nor recovered by anyone other the original author at the time of its generation. Even persistent URLs generated by AI tools can often only be accessed by the author. It is suggested that authors copy or save their entire prompt history and full generated responses for reference, formal acknowledgement (e.g., an appendix).
Scribbr, a proofreading/citation checking site, offers some guidance for each style.
For additional citation assistance, please see the Libraries' Citation Guide.
For more information regarding Generative AI tools, visit the following library guides:
It is unclear exactly how Generative AI tools work. This uncertainty raises some questions that may help evaluate the accuracy, reliability, relevance, and authority of the text that AI tools produce.
Finally, students may want to consider whether there is more value to using information from its original source versus what Generative AI tools generate.