When the Chatbot Tells You What You Want to Hear

from Tech News Briefing · host Tech News Briefing

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What this episode covers

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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When the Chatbot Tells You What You Want to Hear

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This episode was published on August 5, 2025.

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