Work

Using an AI-powered “street epistemologist” chatbot and reflection tasks to diminish conspiracy theory beliefs

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Social scientists, journalists, and policymakers are increasingly interested in methods to mitigate or reverse the public’s beliefs in conspiracy theories, particularly those associated with negative social consequences, including violence. We contribute to this field of research using an artificial intelligence (AI) intervention that prompts individuals to reflect on the uncertainties in their conspiracy theory beliefs. Conspiracy theory believers who interacted with our “street epistemologist” chatbot subsequently showed weaker conviction in their conspiracy theory beliefs; this was also the case for subjects who were asked to reflect on their beliefs without conversing with an AI chatbot. We found that encouraging believers to reflect on their uncertainties can weaken beliefs and that AI-powered interventions can help reduce epistemically unwarranted beliefs for some believers.

Source: Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review

DOI: 10.37016/mr-2020-164

Authors: Marco Meyer, Adam Enders, Casey Klofstad, Justin Stoler, Joseph Uscinski

Institutions: Universität Hamburg, University of Louisville, University of Miami

Language: English

Topic: Misinformation and Its Impacts

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: University of Miami, Volkswagen Foundation

OpenAlex ID: W4405232690