Acknowledging the new invisible colleague: Addressing the recognition of Open AI contributions in in scientific publishing

Abstract

This study investigates the evolving role of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in academic research, with a focus on whether these tools are recognized as authors or co-authors, and how their contributions are cited or acknowledged across various fields. Using data from two major bibliometric sources, Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus, the analysis reveals patterns of AI citation, co-authorship, and acknowledgments. While some attempts have been made to credit AI as a co-author, ethical guidelines—such as those from COPE—prevent this due to AI's inability to fulfill the intellectual requirements for authorship. Instead, AI is increasingly cited as a source or mentioned in acknowledgments to ensure transparency in its use. The study further addresses the ethical implications of AI's role in disrupting traditional notions of intellectual reciprocity and bibliometric analysis. The future role of AI in research will depend on how challenges related to access, equity, and intellectual contribution are managed, determining whether AI will democratize research or exacerbate existing inequalities.