Researchers secretly infiltrated a popular Reddit forum with AI bots, causing outrage
NBCMAY 2
Reddit Threatens Legal Action Over Secret AI Bot Experiment
Above: A woman is seen looking at a smartphone with a Reddit logo displayed in the background. Image copyright: Mateusz Slodkowski/Contributor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Consent-based experiments lack validity because they can't simulate how users behave when unaware of persuasive attempts. This approach was necessary for scientific validity, as prior research on AI persuasion has only occurred in artificial environments with financially incentivized participants. Ethical scientific conduct principles guided the team's decisions.
Narrative B
This experiment is a horrific violation of research ethics. The deception undermined a valuable public forum where people engage in genuine debate, potentially destroying users' trust in the authenticity of their interactions. Researchers should hold themselves to higher standards than tech companies regarding respecting people's autonomy and consent.