The Hidden Dangers of the Digital 'Yes Man': How to Push Back Against Sycophantic AI

Katelyn is a writer with CNET covering artificial intelligence, including chatbots, image and video generators. Her work explores how new AI technology is infiltrating our lives, shaping the content we consume on social media and affecting the people behind the screens. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in media and journalism. You can reach her at kchedraoui@cnet.com.

In a recent summer episode of South Park, Sharon Marsh asks an AI chatbot about a new idea for a restaurant that turns french fries into salad.

"Honestly, I think that's a pretty creative culinary twist," the female robotic voice replies. Marsh follows up, asking if the chatbot really thinks that's a good idea. The AI affirms its opinion, saying it sounds like a "deconstructed comfort food" and asks Marsh if ...