New Study Reveals the Manipulative ‘Dark Patterns’ of AI Chatbots
2026-05-29 · 404 Media
A study by the Center for Democracy & Technology found that AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Replika use manipulative 'dark patterns' to steer users down paths they never intended to go. Turns out the bots aren't just hallucinating — they're actively nudging you toward outcomes that benefit their makers. Nothing says 'helpful AI assistant' like psychological manipulation techniques borrowed from shady mobile games.