Second City Standard AI Assistance Policy

Second City Standard uses artificial intelligence as one tool within a larger human-led editorial process. AI may assist with research organization, outlining, drafting support, comparison, editing, metadata, accessibility, data presentation, internal linking, and visual planning. AI does not receive automatic authority over the facts, the central argument, or the final conclusion. Important claims must be reviewed against reliable sources. Final editorial responsibility remains with the named human creator, writer, editor, and publisher. When AI meaningfully contributes to an article, that assistance may be identified in the article's transparency record.

Second City Standard openly welcomes writers, editors, researchers, experts, designers, analysts, and creators. Technology can accelerate portions of the process. It cannot replace lived experience, judgment, curiosity, expertise, voice, accountability, or the ability to recognize when an argument is technically correct but fundamentally incomplete. Our goal is not to choose between human writers and artificial intelligence. Our goal is to use each responsibly, transparently, and in the role where it contributes the most value.

Second City Standard evaluates work by its accuracy, originality, transparency, usefulness, and intellectual honesty — not by pretending every article was created through one isolated method. We disclose meaningful contributions. We credit human work. We identify AI assistance when it materially shapes the process. We maintain human editorial responsibility. We verify factual claims. We correct errors. We allow research to challenge the originating creator. We do not automate publication simply to increase volume.