Artificial Intelligence Policy
Definition
Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)- generated content refers to text, images, or translations generated or modified by deep or machine-learning processes, commonly known as A.I.-based tools.
Purpose
This policy aims to guide the responsible, ethical, and safe use of A.I. technologies, if used, in relation to the submissions entered in the Next Generation Short Story Awards (NGSSA). A.I. may only be employed to enrich the learning experience, promote idea brainstorming, and support entrants in their story-writing process as a research tool, all while aligning with NGSSA’s guidelines and values.
A.I. should augment human intelligence without replacing it, thus ensuring that all A.I. use begins and ends with human insight. Generative A.I. will never replace the creative human effort that goes into imagining, creating, writing, and editing short stories.
Permitted Use
- A.I. can be used as a research tool to generate ideas and assist with learning about the story-writing process, provided it is done transparently and with proper attribution.
- A.I. can be used as a sample-providing tool that provides examples of the various story submissions we receive in each category.
- A.I. can be used for critical thinking and verification of information generated by online sources.
- A.I. can be used to check grammar and style in entrants’ original written work.
- A.I. use must align with NGSSA’s goals, such as honoring the best short stories and the creative human minds behind the words while upholding values like integrity, honesty and creativity.
Steps for Entrants
The steps entrants can take to ensure they are using A.I. tools ethically include:
- Understanding, reviewing and adhering to NGSSA’s A.I. policy and the use of A.I. tools, including when and how they can be used for research.
- Being critical consumers of A.I. i.e. using the tools as aids rather than replacements for their own work and decision-making.
- Being aware of the limitations of A.I. and fact-checking A.I.-generated information with reliable sources.
- Ensuring their use of A.I. tools aligns with NGSSA’s goals and values.
Prohibited Use
- NGSSA does not support the use of generative A.I. to write short stories that are entered for submission. This cannot be stated explicitly enough.
- A.I. tools may have copyright infringements and will not be eligible if entered as stories in the awards program.
- Entrants should not plagiarize or paraphrase from any A.I. source.
- Entrants should not use sample stories/ideas/plots created by generative A.I. in their submissions.
Potential Consequences for Ignoring the Policy
NGSSA uses A.I. checkers to ensure stories with A.I.-generated content are not entered into the awards program. Violations of the A.I. policy will have consequences like warnings and refunds of entrants’ entry fees. If A.I.-generated content is found, NGSSA will prevent the entrant from entering their short story into the awards program.
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective in the face of evolving A.I. technologies and entry practices.
Plagiarism Policy
Definition
Plagiarism is the act of copying another individual or group’s ideas, words, illustrations, or work in general and pretending it is the writer’s own.
Prohibited Use
Plagiarism of all kinds is prohibited in the NGSSA. These can fall into any of the following types:
- Direct plagiarism: When the plot, characters, storyline, dialogues, etc., have been copied.
- Self-plagiarism: When the writer inadvertently uses similar words, terms and phrases in story submissions entered into the program.
- Mosaic plagiarism: When some, but not all phrases used by one writer are reused by another writer without attributing the source. Submitting a story that multiple writers work on without crediting all of them also constitutes plagiarism.
- Quoted/Paraphrased plagiarism: When content is paraphrased using paraphrasing tools online or is quoted without proper citation of the source.
- A.I.-based plagiarism: When generative A.I. tools create a short story, which could be copyrighted or has been created from another/multiple stories combined together or a published source. Entering stories provided by A.I. also constitutes plagiarism.
Next Generation Short Story Awards (NGSSA) implements plagiarism-checking tools on all short stories received to ensure that submissions entered in the awards program are original. Plagiarism is not tolerated, and submissions that violate this policy will be disqualified.
Avoiding Plagiarism
One of the easiest ways to ensure all content is original is to run it through a plagiarism checker such as Copyscape or Grammarly before submitting it to the awards program. This will ensure submissions entered into the program align with the values and goals of the NGSSA.