AI Chatbot Successfully Reduces Belief in Conspiracy Theories

A study shows that personalized dialogues with an AI can significantly diminish and sustain skepticism in conspiracy beliefs.

Researchers from MIT, Cornell, and American University used a customized AI chatbot to engage with over 2,000 conspiracy theorists.
The AI, named 'debunkbot,' provided detailed, respectful counterarguments tailored to each participant's specific beliefs.
On average, participants' confidence in their conspiracy theories decreased by 20%, with about a quarter disavowing their beliefs entirely.
The study's effects were durable, with reductions in belief persisting for at least two months after the AI interactions.
The AI's success highlights the potential for technology to challenge deeply held beliefs through personalized and factual dialogue.