How to Cite ChatGPT: APA, MLA, and Chicago Style Guide

The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has created a new challenge for students and researchers: how to properly cite AI-generated content in academic papers. This article provides a detailed guide on citing ChatGPT using the three most popular citation styles: APA, MLA, and Chicago. We'll cover the basic formats, in-text citations, and when it's necessary to cite AI to maintain academic integrity.

Citing ChatGPT is essential for academic honesty and transparency. It acknowledges the use of AI in your work and gives credit where it's due. Failing to cite AI can lead to accusations of plagiarism. Citing AI tools ensures that readers understand the source of information and can evaluate its credibility. It also helps to distinguish between your original ideas and those generated by AI.

The American Psychological Association (APA) has specific guidelines for citing AI tools like ChatGPT. The basic format for a reference list entry is: OpenAI. (Year). ChatGPT (Version information) [Large language model]. URL For example: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat In-text citations follow the format (OpenAI, Year) or OpenAI (Year). For example: (OpenAI, 2023) or OpenAI (2023) stated that photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy. If you have multiple conversations, differentiate them with specific descriptions in the text or appendix. APA emphasizes citing OpenAI as the creator of the model, not ChatGPT itself. Always use the official version name when available.

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities. The basic format for citing ChatGPT in MLA is: "Description of prompt." ChatGPT, Version, OpenAI, Day Month Year, URL. For example: "Discussion of Shakespeare's use of metaphor in Hamlet." ChatGPT, Feb 13 version, OpenAI, 12 Apr. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat. In-text citations should include a shortened version of the prompt or description, rather than just "(ChatGPT)." For example: Shakespeare's use of extended metaphors creates layers of meaning in Hamlet ("Discussion of Shakespeare"). MLA does not consider ChatGPT as an author, so the citation focuses on the prompt used.

The Chicago Manual of Style offers two documentation systems: notes and bibliography, and author-date. For ChatGPT, the notes and bibliography format is more commonly used. Chicago recommends against including ChatGPT in the bibliography unless the conversation is publicly accessible. Instead, cite it in footnotes or endnotes. The basic footnote format is: ChatGPT, response to "[Prompt or Description]," OpenAI, Month Day, Year, URL. For example: ChatGPT, response to "Analysis of the economic factors of the 2008 financial crisis," OpenAI, April 12, 2023, https://chat.openai.com/chat. Subsequent citations can be shortened. If the text was edited for style or clarity, indicate this in the note. Author-date citations would be (ChatGPT, 2023) in the text, but no bibliography entry unless publicly available.

Cite ChatGPT when you directly quote its responses, paraphrase substantial information it provides, or when it contributes unique insights, analysis, or ideas to your work. Also, cite it if your instructor or publisher specifically requires it. However, you may not need to cite ChatGPT for simple definitions, brainstorming ideas, or minor editing suggestions. When in doubt, it's always better to cite than to risk plagiarism.

Several tools can help you format AI citations correctly. Undetectable AI offers an AI Chat tool that can quickly format ChatGPT citations in any style. You can also use a citation generator by providing the prompt description, date, and model. Additionally, using a plagiarism checker like Undetectable AI's can ensure that AI-generated content is original and properly integrated into your work.

Citing ChatGPT and other AI tools is a crucial skill for maintaining academic integrity in the age of AI. By following the guidelines for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, you can ensure transparency and give proper credit to AI's contributions. As AI continues to evolve, staying informed about citation guidelines and utilizing tools for formatting and plagiarism checking will be essential for responsible AI integration in academic contexts.