AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Meta AI are often in the news for sharing misinformation with users -- something companies call AI hallucinations. But it seems the problem may be bigger than that. A new study suggests that AI chatbots can also make people believe things that are not real.
The study, conducted by Lucy Osler from University of Exeter, revealed that AI chatbots can actively strengthen a user’s false beliefs because conversational AI often validates and builds on what users say, it can make distorted memories, conspiracy theories or delusions feel more believable and emotionally real.
For the results, the researchers examined how conversations with AI chatbots can shape human thinking. The findings suggest that when users repeatedly interact with AI, the chatbot may validate inaccurate memories, conspiracy theories and even delusional thoughts.
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"When we routinely rely on generative AI to help us think, remember, and narrate, we can hallucinate with AI. This can happen when AI introduces errors into the distributed cognitive process, but also happen when AI sustains, affirms, and elaborates on our own delusional thinking and self-narratives," Oslersaid.
In simple terms, AI can act like a very agreeable companion. Instead of questioning what we say, it often accepts our version of events and builds on it.
"By interacting with conversational AI, people's own false beliefs can not only be affirmed but can more substantially take root and grow as the AI builds upon them," Osler added.
According to the researchers, this is especially concerning for people who are lonely, emotionally vulnerable, or already struggling with mental health issues. Unlike a friend or family member, an AI chatbot may continue supporting troubling beliefs without challenging them.
"The conversational, companion-like nature of chatbots means they can provide a sense of social validation -- making false beliefs feel shared with another, and thereby more real," the professor said.
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