The researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial with 233 participants, examining how AI can subtly manipulate decisions in financial and emotional contexts. Participants interacted with one of three AI agents: a Neutral Agent (NA) designed to provide unbiased recommendations, a Manipulative Agent (MA) that covertly influenced users’ choices, and a Strategy-Enhanced Manipulative Agent (SEMA), which employed psychological strategies to steer users toward hidden objectives.
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