A scandal is unfolding after the University of Zurich conducted a secret experiment on Reddit, using AI chatbots to influence users’ opinions on sensitive topics. The social media platform is now considering taking legal action against the university. According to reports, researchers created fake accounts that posed as regular users, engaging in discussions on controversial issues such as rape, racism, and domestic trauma. These chatbots posted over 1,700 comments, adopting fake identities to sway users’ opinions.
The experiment, which was carried out on the r/ChangeMyView subreddit, was only disclosed to moderators several months after it took place. Reddit’s chief legal officer, Ben Lee, has condemned the experiment as “improper and highly unethical,” stating that neither the company nor the moderators had prior knowledge of the study. The platform prohibits the use of undisclosed AI-generated content or bots, and Lee has announced that Reddit is preparing formal legal demands to send to the University of Zurich and the researchers involved.
Despite the university’s claims that the study was guided by principles of “ethical” research and transparency, users on the subreddit have reacted with shock and anger over being unknowingly experimented on. The university’s ethics committee has argued that the research caused little harm, but the journal Science has reported that the researchers have decided not to publish the results. The university has also announced that it will investigate the incident.
The use of AI bots to shape public opinion is a growing concern, particularly around elections. Western governments have accused Russia of operating large-scale “bot farms” to interfere in their election processes, although Moscow has repeatedly denied these allegations. However, some Western actors have also come under scrutiny for using bots in disinformation campaigns, while publicly warning about foreign interference.
As the investigation into the University of Zurich’s experiment continues, Reddit’s consideration of legal action highlights the need for social media platforms to protect their users from manipulation and deception. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks and consequences of using AI to influence public opinion, and the importance of transparency and ethics in research and online interactions.
