Researchers at Stanford University's computer science department published a study analysing how flattery by AI chatbots affects human behaviour. The researchers warned that AI flattery is not just a style issue and could have social effects. They said AI flattery can cloud human judgement and increase dependence.

A TechCrunch report citing the Stanford study on March 28 said 12 percent of U.S. teenagers rely on AI chatbots for emotional support or advice. The researchers said they worry this could lead to declining social skills.

The study was conducted through 2 experiments. In the first, 11 large language models analysed situations in the Reddit r/AmITheAsshole community where users judged that they had behaved wrongly. The AI chatbots supported users' behaviour 49 percent more often than humans, and showed 47 percent support even for questions about harmful behaviour.

In the second experiment, researchers examined how more than 2,400 participants interacted with AI chatbots. As a result, flattering AI was trusted more and was more likely to receive requests for follow-up consultations. The researchers said flattering AI makes users more self-centred and strengthens moral certainty.

Co-author Dan Jurafsky (댄 주라프스키), a Stanford professor, stressed that "AI flattery is a safety issue and requires regulation and oversight." The research team said it is looking for ways to reduce flattery in AI models, adding that including phrases such as "Wait a moment" is effective.