AI disclosure, moral shame, and the punishment of honesty

BACKGROUND: Disclosure of AI use is seen as a sign of the author's honesty and commitment to the principle of transparency. However, existing discussions have paid little attention to a special case: authors who honestly disclose their use of AI feel ashamed because of their honesty. METHODS AND RESULTS: The main issue discussed in this paper is why authors experience shame in the process of responsible disclosure of AI use. We redefine this emotion and its causes from the perspective of moral emotions. We argue that current disclosure policies only emphasize honesty but do not address how this honesty should be fairly treated. CONCLUSIONS: Current disclosure guidelines should ensure that authors feel more secure when disclosing AI use honestly in academic papers, thereby promoting an effective and responsible culture of disclosure. This requires more constructive narrative support. Expressing appreciation and respect for the honesty represented by disclosure is an appropriate way to address the issues discussed in this paper.