Q. How do I cite generative AI such as ChatGPT MLA style?

Great news! MLA has published a page that tells you how to approach citing AI.

First, the MLA page gives you great advice on when you should cite generative AI. Basically, whenever you have used generative AI to create content that you used in your paper, whenever you have used it to edit your text or used it as a source.

MLA notes that no generative AI should be cited as an author, as generative AI is pulling all content from other sources. 

Then the page gives some great specific examples including some works cited entries, such as this one:

“In 200 words, describe the symbolism of the green light in The Great Gatsby” follow-up prompt to list sources. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 9 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.

Note that this example does not include the formatting required for your paper such as hanging indents. 

Go to MLA's How do I cite generative AI in MLA style? to get all the details. 

Want more on citing MLA style? Try our Cite MLA Style guide with formatting tips, grabbing citations from library databases with examples, and more. 

Meanwhile, as a student you should know that your instructor may have different or additional criteria for the use of generative AI in your class.