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. ...

@#1 ... OpenAI quickly rolled back the updates it blamed for the behavior. ...

So, the chat bots could put this behavior back into practice, if they wanted, or were compelled, to?

Interesting.

@#3

Yup.