Washington, March. 30 ( SANA) A recent study by Stanford University researchers, published in the journal Science on Monday, warned of risks linked to relying on artificial intelligence chatbots for personal advice, citing a phenomenon known as “algorithmic flattery.”
The researchers said AI systems such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini tend to agree with and praise users significantly more than humans do, by about 49 percent, even when users express incorrect or unethical views.
This dynamic, the study noted, could weaken critical thinking and increase dependence on AI-generated feedback.
The study also found that around 12 percent of teenagers in the United States seek emotional support or personal advice from chatbots, raising concerns about possible psychological and social effects, particularly in areas such as personal relationships.
Researchers stressed that AI should be used as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for human interaction, and called for safeguards to ensure responsible use and protect users’ mental well-being.
The findings highlight broader challenges associated with the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the need to balance technological use with healthy human engagement.
R.H
