When the Chatbot Tells You What You Want to Hear
WSJ Tech News BriefingAugust 05, 2025
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When the Chatbot Tells You What You Want to Hear

AI chatbots have a tendency to flatter users—a term called AI “sycophancy.” And while it feels good, you may pay a high price for that praise. Malihe Alikhani, an assistant professor of AI at Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences, joins us to explain the risks. Plus, should you keep your digital secrets in a digital safe? Belle Lin hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter.

AI chatbots have a tendency to flatter users—a term called AI “sycophancy.” And while it feels good, you may pay a high price for that praise. Malihe Alikhani, an assistant professor of AI at Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences, joins us to explain the risks. Plus, should you keep your digital secrets in a digital safe? Belle Lin hosts.


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