Pioneers of AI Can AI talk us out of conspiracy theories?
Jul 16, 2025
David Rand, a Cornell University professor specializing in Information Science and marketing, explores the intersection of AI and conspiracy theories. He discusses how AI chatbots can engage individuals entrenched in conspiracies to promote factual understanding, revealing surprising results from recent studies. Rand delves into the psychological allure of these beliefs, comparing their spread to evolutionary concepts. He also highlights innovative tools like debunkbot.com, demonstrating AI's potential to combat misinformation across various fields.
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Why People Believe Conspiracies
- People often believe conspiracy theories because they haven't heard clear, fact-based debunking explanations.
- Exposure to only conspiratorial content can blind believers to counter-evidence when presented properly.
AI Can Debunk Conspiracies
- AI chatbots can have polite, fact-based conversations to effectively debunk conspiracy theories.
- The AI method reduces belief by about 20% and often sticks for months after interaction.
Use Debunkbot for Conspiracies
- Use debunkbot.com to engage with conspiracy beliefs either personally or through friends and family.
- Practice conversations with the AI to prepare for real-life discussions on conspiracies.