Study: A lack of professional AI guidelines leads to feelings of "AI shame" (www.niemanlab.org)

A new study published in *Information, Communication and Society* highlights a significant issue within the academic community regarding the use of generative AI in research. Conducted by researchers from Taiwan and Europe, the survey of over 1,100 communication scholars across 77 countries revealed a paradox: while nearly 70% of respondents had employed generative AI for research tasks, many regarded its use as inappropriate. This disconnect stems largely from a lack of formal guidelines, leading to what the authors describe as "AI shame," where researchers feel reluctant to disclose their AI usage for fear of being seen as less credible. The findings emphasize the urgent need for the communication research community to create a "disclosure-positive" culture that encourages transparent conversations about AI’s role in research. By requiring scholars to disclose the stages of their work where AI is utilized, institutions and journals can align ethical standards with actual practices, fostering a sense of accountability and trust. The study argues that acknowledging AI's presence is crucial for developing meaningful guidelines, ultimately supporting responsible and ethical research practices in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.