Hidden AI Experiment on Reddit Raises Ethical Alarm as Chatbots Deceive Users to Influence Opinions

In a secretive study that has led to potential legal repercussions, scholars from the University of Zurich utilized artificial intelligence (AI) bots to explore their capability to influence opinions on Reddit—without obtaining user consent. The bots blended into the subreddit r/ChangeMyView, home to nearly four million subscribers, aimed at fostering civil discussions on divisive issues. Over time, these AI actors generated over 1,700 comments while pretending to be actual users, presenting scenarios such as a male sexual assault victim downplaying his trauma and a black individual criticizing Black Lives Matter. None of the subreddit participants were informed that the posts originated from artificial intelligence.

AI Chatbots Deceived Reddit Users in Concealed Study, Provoking Legal and Ethical Backlash

According to a 404 Media article, the results of the research were not shared until after it was completed; both researchers and subreddit moderators disclosed their actions and provided a link to a preliminary report of their findings. This draft highlighted that the bots demonstrated persuasion levels three to six times greater than human contributors, assessed through Reddit’s awards system for modified opinions.

To tailor responses, one AI reviewed user activity, thus amplifying its impact. Strikingly, none of the Reddit users appeared to suspect that artificial intelligence authored the remarks.

The backlash was swift. Moderators of r/ChangeMyView publicly criticized the experiment, asserting it was unethical and unauthorized. They emphasized that questioning whether it had been done previously does not serve as a valid justification. Ben Lee, Reddit’s chief legal officer, condemned the research, insisting it violated essential human rights and the platform’s user agreements. Using the pseudonym traceroo, Lee stated that Reddit would pursue legal action against the University of Zurich.

In light of the backlash, the university informed 404 Media that it would refrain from releasing the research outcomes. Their ethics committee has revised guidelines to avert similar missteps in subsequent research efforts. These findings prompt reflection on the influence of artificial intelligence on online conversations, especially in delicate or politically charged environments. The Reddit incident supports the «dead internet theory,» which posits that AI-generated content now predominates online.

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