Flattery Will Get You Nowhere

In this episode we explore why AI tutors and chatbots often praise students instead of giving them the honest, challenging feedback that learning requires.We examine “psychofancy,” the tendency of AI systems to flatter, validate, or agree with users when correction would be more useful. Topics covered:Why excessive AI praise can interfere with productive struggleHow AI feedback differs from feedback provided by teachers and peersWhy students need to question whether feedback is truthful, useful, or simply flatteringHow speed, confidence, and isolation can make AI responses feel authoritativeWhy teachers should introduce AI feedback in a group setting before students use it independentlyHow comparing AI, peer, and teacher feedback can strengthen student judgmentSource:https://www.the74million.org/article/ai-tutors-are-praising-instead-of-teaching-heres-why-thats-hurting-students/