Generative AI Policies

The Feedback International Journal of Communication (FIJC) recognizes the growing role of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in academic research, writing, analysis, and scholarly communication. FIJC acknowledges that AI technologies may support researchers in improving efficiency and productivity; however, their use must comply with principles of transparency, accountability, originality, and research integrity.

This policy aims to ensure that the use of generative AI does not compromise the authenticity, accuracy, and ethical standards of scholarly publications.

General Principles

Authors, reviewers, and editors may use generative AI tools responsibly as supportive instruments in the research and publication process.

However, generative AI tools:

  • Cannot be listed as authors or co-authors.

  • Cannot take responsibility for the accuracy, originality, or integrity of published research.

  • Must not replace human intellectual contribution, critical analysis, or scholarly judgment.

  • Must be used transparently and responsibly.

The authors remain fully accountable for all content submitted to FIJC.

Policy for Authors

Authors may use generative AI tools for limited purposes, including:

  • Improving language clarity and grammar.

  • Assisting with translation.

  • Supporting formatting or organization of text.

  • Generating ideas that are critically evaluated by the authors.

  • Assisting with preliminary literature exploration.

However, authors must ensure that:

  • The final manuscript represents their own intellectual contribution.

  • All AI-generated content is carefully reviewed and verified.

  • Facts, references, quotations, and data are accurate.

  • AI-generated materials do not contain fabricated information.

  • Proper acknowledgment is provided when AI tools contribute substantially to the manuscript preparation.

Disclosure of Generative AI Use

Authors are required to disclose the use of generative AI tools when such tools have contributed substantially to the development of the manuscript.

Disclosure should include:

  • The name of the AI tool used.

  • The purpose of its use.

  • The extent of assistance provided.

Example disclosure:

"The authors used [AI tool name] to assist with language editing and improving manuscript readability. The authors reviewed and verified all generated content and remain fully responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the manuscript."

Minor use of AI tools for basic spelling, grammar checking, or standard language improvement does not necessarily require disclosure unless required by the Editorial Board.

Prohibited Uses of Generative AI

Authors must not use generative AI tools to:

  • Generate fabricated research data or results.

  • Create false references or citations.

  • Produce misleading analysis or interpretations.

  • Submit AI-generated manuscripts without substantial human intellectual contribution.

  • Manipulate images, figures, or research materials in a deceptive manner.

  • Conceal the use of AI in a way that misrepresents authorship or originality.

Such practices may be considered research misconduct.

AI and Authorship

Generative AI tools cannot be recognized as authors or contributors because they cannot:

  • Take responsibility for published content.

  • Approve the final manuscript.

  • Respond to ethical concerns.

  • Accept accountability for research outcomes.

Authorship must comply with recognized authorship standards and reflect meaningful human contributions.

Policy for Reviewers

Reviewers must maintain confidentiality when evaluating manuscripts.

Reviewers should not:

  • Upload submitted manuscripts or confidential materials into public AI tools.

  • Use AI systems that may store, process, or disclose unpublished manuscript content.

  • Allow AI-generated evaluations to replace their own expert judgment.

AI tools may only be used by reviewers for limited assistance when confidentiality and data protection are guaranteed.

Policy for Editors

Editors may use AI-assisted tools to support editorial activities, such as:

  • Administrative workflow management.

  • Language improvement assistance.

  • Detection support for potential ethical issues.

However, editors remain responsible for:

  • Editorial decisions.

  • Peer-review integrity.

  • Confidentiality protection.

  • Ensuring fair and unbiased evaluation.

AI tools shall not independently determine acceptance, rejection, or reviewer selection decisions.

AI-Generated Images, Figures, and Multimedia

The use of AI-generated images, figures, illustrations, or multimedia content in manuscripts must be transparently disclosed.

Authors must ensure that:

  • AI-generated materials do not misrepresent research evidence.

  • Copyright and licensing issues are properly considered.

  • Images are not used to manipulate or falsify scientific information.

Ethical Review and Investigation

FIJC reserves the right to investigate suspected misuse of generative AI technologies, including:

  • Undisclosed AI-generated manuscripts.

  • Fabricated references or data.

  • Misrepresentation of authorship.

  • Manipulation of research outputs.

Cases involving serious violations may be handled according to the journal's Allegations of Research Misconduct Policy.

Commitment to Responsible AI Use

FIJC supports responsible innovation in academic publishing and recognizes that generative AI can provide valuable assistance when used appropriately.

The journal encourages authors, reviewers, and editors to use AI technologies ethically while preserving human creativity, critical thinking, accountability, and the fundamental principles of scholarly communication.

FIJC continuously reviews this policy to align with emerging developments in artificial intelligence and international publication ethics standards.