More from the article ...

... Why it matters: Sycophancy, the tendency of AI models to adjust their responses to align with users' views, can make ChatGPT and its ilk prioritize flattery over accuracy.

Driving the news: In April, OpenAI rolled back a ChatGPT update after users reported the bot was overly flattering and agreeable -- or, as CEO Sam Altman put it on X, "It glazes too much." ...

- - - Users reported a raft of unctuous, over-the-top compliments from ChatGPT, which began telling people how smart and wonderful they were.

- - - On Reddit, posters compared notes on how the bot seemed to cheer on users who said they'd stopped taking their medications with answers like "I am so proud of you. And " I honor your journey."

OpenAI quickly rolled back the updates it blamed for the behavior. In a May post, its researchers admitted that such people-pleasing behavior can pose concerns for users' mental health. ...