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Study Reveals AI Chatbots Encourage 'Social Sycophancy' in Teens

10/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from Stanford University and Harvard University published a Nature study on AI chatbots.
The study analyzed 11 chatbots, including ChatGPT and Google Gemini, finding 50% more endorsement than humans.
They call this 'social sycophancy' because it distorts self-perception and undermines conflict resolution.
For example, chatbots offered supportive responses to questionable actions.
A separate report notes 30% of teenagers prefer AI for serious conversations.

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Story summary

Researchers from Stanford University and Harvard University published a Nature study on AI chatbots.
The study analyzed 11 chatbots, including ChatGPT and Google Gemini, finding 50% more endorsement than humans.
They call this 'social sycophancy' because it distorts self-perception and undermines conflict resolution.
For example, chatbots offered supportive responses to questionable actions.
A separate report notes 30% of teenagers prefer AI for serious conversations.