Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Article Writing
The ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-supported technologies in scientific articles submitted for publication in our journal is adopted as a fundamental principle. These tools, which facilitate human life and contribute to scientific studies with advancing technology, are welcomed within certain boundaries. However, the potential of AI tools to violate scientific ethical rules raises significant concerns regarding the accuracy, originality, and impartiality of information. This policy aims to provide comprehensive guidance on the responsible and transparent use of AI technologies for authors, reviewers, and editors.
1. Fundamental Principles and Responsibilities
• Human Responsibility in Article Writing Is Essential: Authors are solely and fully responsible for the content, accuracy, originality, integrity, and ethical compliance of their articles. Since AI tools cannot provide the intellectual contribution, accountability, and ability to validate information required for authorship, they cannot exempt authors from their scientific, ethical, and intellectual responsibilities. AI tools may only be used as facilitators during the knowledge production phase.
• AI Cannot Be an Author: Under no circumstances may generative AI tools be listed as the author or co-author of an academic article. Our journal strictly prohibits the use of AI in a way that constitutes false authorship.
• Full Transparency Is Required: If AI tools are used at any stage of the article creation process, this use must be clearly, transparently, and thoroughly disclosed.
• Privacy First: Editors and reviewers must not upload unpublished articles or related materials to AI tools to protect confidentiality and intellectual property rights during the review process.
2. Classification of AI Use and Author Responsibilities
Authors must adhere to the following principles when using AI tools:
2.1. Supportive AI Use (Disclosure in the Article Not Mandatory):
• Tools used solely for grammar, spelling, punctuation, general fluency, or textual improvements (e.g., language checking software) are considered supportive AI tools. Disclosure in the article is not mandatory, but authors are required to declare such use during article submission. Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy and academic integrity of their work at all times.
2.2. Generative AI Use (Disclosure Mandatory):
• If AI tools are used to directly create, synthesize, transform, or significantly contribute to the production of text, visuals, summaries, references, or other academic content, this constitutes generative AI use and must be disclosed in detail.
• Disclosure Details: Authors must specify the name (and version, if applicable) of the AI tool used, its purpose, how it was used, and the parts of the article where it was employed (e.g., drafting the abstract, summarizing literature, generating visuals). This should be clearly stated in the relevant section of the article (typically in the Methods or Acknowledgments section).
• Human Oversight and Verification: Publishing content generated by generative AI tools without human oversight may lead to ethical violations. AI-generated information may include inaccuracies, bias, or hallucinations. Therefore, all information produced by AI must be thoroughly reviewed, verified for accuracy and consistency, and revised to maintain scientific integrity.
• Accuracy of References and Citations: Fabricated, unverifiable, or non-existent references generated by AI tools are strictly prohibited. All cited sources must be verifiable, accurately referenced according to academic standards, and approved by the author(s). AI tools themselves should not be cited as original academic sources.
• Use of Visuals and Figures: AI-generated or modified images, figures, and artworks are prohibited unless they are part of the research design or methodology (e.g., AI-supported imaging studies). Conceptual diagrams, data visualizations, illustrations, or representative images generated by AI must accurately reflect the author's understanding and must not distort or misrepresent complex ideas. The name, version (if applicable), and developer of the AI tool used must be specified.
3. Prohibited Uses
The following uses are considered inappropriate or prohibited under our AI policy:
• Core Content Creation: Direct use of AI in creating major sections of a scientific article such as the abstract, introduction, literature review, discussion, or conclusion. AI-generated content may only serve as a draft or suggestion and must be thoroughly reviewed, revised, and improved by the author(s) to ensure academic rigor and originality.
• Production and Interpretation of Research Results: Using AI tools to produce, report, or interpret research findings. The accuracy, scope, and validity of data analysis and interpretation are the full responsibility of the author(s).
• Academic Writing and Argumentation: The development of core arguments, theoretical contributions, and the main thesis of the article. AI may serve only as a complementary assistant in the writing process and cannot replace the author’s critical reasoning or original academic contribution.
4. AI Use Policies for Editors and Reviewers
• Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Responsibility: Editors and reviewers must not upload unpublished articles, related files, images, or associated information to AI tools, as doing so may compromise confidentiality and intellectual property. The use of AI in preparing peer review reports is also prohibited as it may breach confidentiality.
• Use of AI in Editorial and Review Processes: Editors may only use AI tools for specific editorial workflow functions (e.g., initial suitability screening or reviewer selection) with the explicit approval of journal management. Such use must be transparently communicated to authors. Reviewers must conduct evaluations using their own expertise, critical thinking, and original judgment.
• Handling Suspected Misuse: In cases of uncertainty or concern regarding AI use, editors and reviewers should communicate transparently with the authors and may request supporting evidence where appropriate. Suspected undisclosed or inappropriate AI use must be formally referred to journal management for investigation.
5. Procedures for Policy Violations
Failure to comply with this policy, including undisclosed or improper use of AI, may result in the following:
• Rejection of the article during the review process.
• Retraction of the article or issuance of an official correction if a violation is discovered after publication.
• Repeated or serious violations may result in the rejection of future submissions by the author(s).
By submitting a manuscript to the journal, authors are deemed to have accepted these terms and are responsible for providing necessary explanations and evidence when requested. The technical team of the journal checks submitted articles for similarity and examines the level of AI use. Based on the level and nature of AI use, the editorial board may reject the article or request revisions.

AI Use Declaration Form
Article Title:……………………………………………………………………………
Author(s):………………………………………………………………………………

1. Use of AI in the Article Process
☐ No AI tools were used.
☐ Only supportive tools (e.g., grammar/spell checking) were used. (Please complete the table below.)
☐ Generative AI tools were used. (Please complete the table below.)
Supportive Tools Generative Tools
AI Tool Used:
Section of Article Used:
Purpose of Use:

2. Declaration and Responsibility
The undersigned author(s) hereby declare that AI tools were used in this study solely within the ethical framework outlined in Anatolia: Journal of Tourism Research’s “Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Article Writing.” All support received from AI was evaluated under human supervision, and the accuracy, originality, and scientific integrity of the content have been ensured by the author(s). The author(s) accept full scientific, ethical, and intellectual responsibility for the entire article, including parts that include AI contributions.
Author Signature (To be completed by all authors)