Researchers at the University of Zurich conducted an unauthorized four-month experiment on the r/changemyview subreddit, using AI-generated comments to assess the potential of AI in influencing opinions. They created fake accounts posing as various personas, leading to significant interactions — 1,783 comments and 137 instances where users changed their opinions. The subreddit moderators condemned the experiment, asserting that their community values human interaction and does not permit undisclosed AI participation. The university argued that despite ethical concerns, the research provided insights into AI's persuasive abilities that could be relevant in preventing potential abuses. Reddit's legal officer indicated that the experiment violated their user agreement and that actions against the researchers, including account bans and possible legal action, were being considered. The university’s ethics commission conducted an investigation, promising better future coordination with research subjects while issuing a warning to the lead investigator.

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