How to Cite Internet Sources Using MLA: A Comprehensive Guide
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style provides a standardized method for citing sources, including those found online. Mastering how to cite an internet source (MLA) ensures academic integrity and gives proper credit to the creators of the information you use, effectively demonstrating credibility and avoiding plagiarism.
Why MLA Citation Matters
Proper citation is the cornerstone of academic research and writing. It demonstrates intellectual honesty by acknowledging the work of others. In the context of the internet, where information is readily available but not always reliable, accurate citation is even more critical. Failing to cite sources correctly can lead to accusations of plagiarism, which can have serious consequences. Moreover, consistent and accurate citations enhance the credibility of your work by showing that you have conducted thorough research.
The Basic Structure of an MLA Internet Source Citation
Understanding the core elements of an MLA citation for internet sources is the first step towards mastering the process. The general format follows this structure:
Author. “Title of Page or Document.” Title of Website, Publisher or Sponsor of the Site (if different from the website title), Date of Publication or Last Modified Date, URL. Accessed Date.
Let’s break down each element:
- Author: Start with the author’s name, if available, in the format Last Name, First Name. If no author is listed, begin with the title of the page or document.
- “Title of Page or Document”: Include the specific title of the web page or document you are citing. Enclose the title in quotation marks.
- “Title of Website”: The overall name of the website where the page or document is found. Italicize the website title.
- Publisher or Sponsor of the Site: If the website has a publisher or sponsor that is different from the website title, include this information.
- Date of Publication or Last Modified Date: Provide the date the page or document was published or last modified. If neither is available, you can omit this information.
- URL: Include the full URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the page or document. Remove “https://” to keep the citation concise.
- Accessed Date: This indicates when you accessed the online source. Use the format Day Month Year (e.g., 15 Aug. 2023). This is essential because websites can change or disappear.
Building a Works Cited Entry for an Internet Source: Examples
Here are a few examples to illustrate how to cite an internet source (MLA) in practice:
Example 1: Article with an Author
Smith, John. “The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 10 Oct. 2022, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-teen-age/202210/the-impact-of-social-media-teenagers. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
Example 2: Article with No Author
“The History of the Internet.” Internet Society, www.internetsociety.org/internet/history-internet/brief-history-internet/. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
Example 3: Article from an Online News Source
Thompson, Jane. “New Study Reveals Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee.” The New York Times, The New York Times Company, 5 July 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/07/05/health/coffee-health-benefits.html. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
Addressing Common Challenges
Citing internet sources can present some unique challenges. Here’s how to handle some common situations:
- No Author: If no author is listed, begin the citation with the title of the page or document.
- No Date: If no publication or last modified date is available, omit this element. However, always include an accessed date.
- Long URL: If the URL is excessively long, you can shorten it by removing unnecessary parts. However, ensure that the URL still directs the reader to the correct page.
- Missing Information: Do your best to find all the necessary information. If some elements are truly unavailable, omit them from the citation. Never make up information.
Formatting Your Works Cited Page
Your Works Cited page should be a separate page at the end of your paper. Follow these guidelines:
- Title the page “Works Cited.”
- Center the title at the top of the page.
- List your sources alphabetically by the author’s last name (or by the title of the work if there is no author).
- Use a hanging indent for each entry. This means the first line of each citation is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented.
How To Cite An Internet Source (MLA)? – A Summary Table
| Element | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Author | The creator of the content. If unavailable, start with the title. | Smith, John |
| Title of Page/Document | The specific title of the web page you are citing. | “The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers” |
| Title of Website | The name of the website where the page is hosted. | Psychology Today |
| Publisher/Sponsor | The organization or entity responsible for the website. Omit if the same as the website title. | Sussex Publishers |
| Date of Publication/Mod | The date the page was published or last modified. Omit if unavailable. | 10 Oct. 2022 |
| URL | The full web address of the page. Remove “https://” | www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-teen-age/202210/the-impact-of-social-media-teenagers |
| Accessed Date | The date you accessed the web page. Always include this. | Accessed 15 Aug. 2023. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I cite a YouTube video in MLA?
Citing a YouTube video follows a similar format to citing other internet sources. Include the uploader’s name (if different from the author), the video title (in quotation marks), YouTube, the date of publication, and the URL. Finally, add the access date. For example: TED. “How to Speak So That People Want to Listen | Julian Treasure.” YouTube, 27 June 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=speaker. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
What do I do if there is no author for an online article?
If there’s no identified author for the online article, start your citation with the title of the article within quotation marks. The rest of the citation structure remains the same.
Is it necessary to include the access date for internet sources?
Yes, including the access date is crucial when citing internet sources in MLA style. Websites can be altered or removed entirely, so providing the access date helps readers locate the version you used.
How do I cite a tweet in MLA?
To cite a tweet, include the author’s username (or real name, if available), the complete text of the tweet (shortened if excessively long), Twitter, the date and time of the tweet, and the URL. For instance: @elonmusk. “Excited about the future of space exploration! ” Twitter, 10 Aug. 2023, 10:00 AM, twitter.com/elonmusk/status/example.
What if the website’s title is the same as the publisher?
If the website title is the same as the publisher, you only need to list it once in the citation. Do not repeat the information.
How do I format the URL in my citation?
In MLA 9th edition, you no longer need to include “https://”. Start directly with “www.” or the domain name. Ensure that the URL directs the reader to the exact source you are citing.
What is a hanging indent, and how do I create one?
A hanging indent is a formatting style where the first line of a citation is flush with the left margin, while subsequent lines are indented. You can create a hanging indent in Microsoft Word by highlighting the citation, right-clicking, selecting “Paragraph,” and then choosing “Hanging” under “Special” in the Indentation section.
How do I cite a source I found through a database?
Citing a source from a database like JSTOR or ProQuest requires including information about both the original source and the database. Include the author, title, and publication information of the original source, followed by the database name (italicized), and the URL.
Do I need to cite common knowledge?
Generally, you don’t need to cite common knowledge. Common knowledge refers to facts that are widely known and readily available from numerous sources. However, if you are unsure whether information is common knowledge, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and cite your source.
What if I’m citing an entire website, not just a specific page?
If you are citing an entire website, cite the website name (italicized) and the URL. For example: Wikipedia, www.wikipedia.org. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023. It’s important to note you would only generally do this if you were speaking about the website as an entity.
Where does the period go in a citation?
The final period of an MLA citation goes at the very end of the entry, after the access date (if included).
What if I am citing a source that refers to another cited source?
This is an indirect citation. It is better to seek out the original source if possible. If the original is impossible to find, you can cite the secondary source; However, indicate that it is a reference as cited in the source you are using. For example: (Smith as cited in Jones, 2023).