AI Tools Usage Policy

1. Overview

As an interdisciplinary journal committed to bridging the gap between academic research and practical application, the Journal of Social Dynamics and Governance (JSDG) recognizes the emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in scholarly writing. This policy outlines the ethical boundaries and requirements for authors using these tools.

2. Authorship and Accountability

AI cannot be listed as an author: AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Jasper, or similar LLMs) do not meet the criteria for authorship. They cannot take legal or ethical responsibility for the work, nor can they manage conflicts of interest or copyright agreements.
Human Responsibility: The human authors are fully responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of the manuscript. Authors must ensure that any content generated or suggested by AI is factually correct and free of plagiarism.

3. Permitted Uses

JSDG allows the use of AI tools primarily for:

Improving the readability and language quality of the manuscript (e.g., grammar checking, phrasing, or translation).
Assisting in data analysis or basic coding for social science research.
Brainstorming structural outlines or literature search strategies.

4. Prohibited Uses

Content Generation: Authors should not use AI to generate core intellectual content, including research hypotheses, critical analysis of social dynamics, or the formulation of governance recommendations.
Image Manipulation: AI-generated images or modified figures are generally not permitted unless they are the specific subject of the research (e.g., a study on AI-generated political propaganda).
Citations: Authors must verify all references. AI is known to generate "hallucinated" or non-existent citations.

5. Mandatory Disclosure

Authors must disclose the use of AI in their submission if the tools were used in any capacity beyond basic grammar editing. This disclosure should be placed in a section titled "Disclosure of AI and AI-Assisted Technologies" before the References list.

The disclosure must include:

The name of the tool used.
The purpose for which it was used.
A statement confirming that the authors have reviewed and edited the output and take full responsibility for the content.

6. Reviewer and Editor Guidelines

Confidentiality: Reviewers are strictly prohibited from uploading submitted manuscripts into AI tools for evaluation or summarization, as this violates the confidentiality of the peer-review process.
Integrity: Editors will use AI-detection software as part of the initial screening process to ensure the manuscript adheres to JSDG’s high standards of originality.