If the mathematical component of your content is deemed to be generated by AI, it will likely be deleted, along with any reputation earned from it. Repeatedly posting AI-generated mathematical content may lead to a warning from moderators, or possibly a suspension for repeated infractions.
What counts as “content generated by generative artificial intelligence tools"?
Content generated by generative artificial intelligence tools” is any content crafted, in part or in whole, using a tool that writes a response automatically based on a prompt it is provided. These tools include large language models like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Because these tools are trained to answer with language that mimics authentic speech, the responses may look and sound plausible, but the quality of generated answers can vary significantly (up to, and including, completely wrong answers).
Why do I need to disclose that I used generative artificial intelligence services to draft content?
Stack Exchange is a collaborative resource, developed and maintained by members of the community, with the goal of creating a repository of high-quality curated knowledge. While content generated by generative artificial intelligence tools may look and sound plausible, the quality of that content can vary significantly. In particular, currently AI cannot answer the type of questions that tend to appear on MathOverflow, generally considered non-trivial even for high-level experts, to any degree of consistency. As such we ask all users to only provide mathematical content that they themselves are capable of providing.
There are a few primary issues with content generated by large language models that make it unsuitable for use on MathOverflow:
Users who ask questions on MathOverflow expect to receive an answer authored and vetted by a human. This ensures that the answer is factual, relevant, and complete, up to the standards of another human. While human authors are not perfect, generative artificial intelligence tools may not take into account other important factors that add nuance to a question, often add excessive noise to their answers (e.g., explaining all details, no matter how relevant), and may fabricate false or misleading information.
Users who ask questions on MathOverflow likely have access to the same AI services as anyone else who may be persuaded to use them. They likely want to ask questions on MathOverflow because they want feedback from an actual expert.
Sometimes generative artificial intelligence tools may be used to assist with editing and translating content, rather than generate it. This constitutes a more transformative, rather than generative action, and is much likely to be accepted by the community. However, in this case, use of AI should be properly documented and explicitly referenced.
Please note that even when properly referenced and used only for cosmetic or grammatical changes, frequent posting of content generated by these tools, especially when done in a short window of time, can lead to unnecessary disruption of MathOverflow, which would be in violation of the Inauthentic Usage policy of our Code of Conduct.
If you have used AI to polish your grammar or writing, you are (strongly) encouraged to explicitly state so in your post.
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Many of the answers on MathOverflow are created by users sharing their own expertise. In particular, when supplying answers outside their expertise, users should reference trustworthy sources. Searching for sources, synthesizing them into a good answer, and referencing them clearly are critical steps in developing a well-crafted answer.
Remember - the person who asked a question desires a correct answer. As such, answering correctly is always more important than answering quickly. Additionally, our system thrives on questions getting multiple good answers, which are more likely to help future visitors who have the same question. By following a process that creates consistently correct answers of good quality, and that are well-referenced as needed, you should do just fine here.
While generative artificial intelligence tools can be used to help create content for MathOverflow, it should only assist with cosmetic or linguistic issues, not the core mathematical content, which must come from human sources.