Can AI Debunk Conspiracy Theories? New Research Suggests It Might
2025-05-13
Research from MIT and Cornell psychologists shows that AI, specifically large language models like ChatGPT4-Turbo, can effectively reduce belief in conspiracy theories. By presenting counterfactual evidence and employing Socratic questioning, the AI led to a 20% average decrease in belief among participants. Even when the AI was framed as adversarial, the effect remained, suggesting belief change is driven by information, not AI trust. However, the study also notes that deeply held beliefs are tied to identity, and informational interventions alone may not fully eliminate conspiracy theories.