Artificial Intelligence (AI Policy)

Affinity: Journal of Social Studies and Community Engagement recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies may be used as supportive tools in scholarly writing and research. However, the use of AI must be ethical, transparent, and responsible.

Use of AI by Authors

Authors may use AI-based tools for:

• Language editing and grammar improvement

• Enhancing clarity and writing structure

• Other non-substantive technical assistance

AI tools must not be used to:

• Generate all or substantial parts of scholarly content without meaningful intellectual contribution from the authors

• Replace authors’ analysis, data interpretation, or scholarly conclusions

• Fabricate or manipulate data, results, or references

• Produce unverifiable citations or reference lists

Authors must disclose the use of AI tools in their manuscripts, specifying the type of AI used and the purpose of its use, either in the methods section, footnotes, or a designated disclosure statement.

Responsibility and Accountability

Authors bear full responsibility for:

• The originality, accuracy, and integrity of the manuscript

• Compliance with publication ethics

• Any errors, biases, or misconduct arising from the use of AI tools

AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors in any publication.

Use of AI by Editors and Reviewers

Editors and reviewers may use AI tools in a limited manner for:

• Language and readability checks

• Text similarity and plagiarism detection

• Administrative support during the editorial process

AI use by editors and reviewers must not replace human academic judgment, editorial decisions, or the independent peer-review process.

Compliance and Sanctions

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

• Manuscript rejection

• Requests for revision

• Retraction of published articles

The journal reserves the right to update this policy in accordance with developments in AI technology and international publication ethics standards.