Sycophantic AI decreases prosocial intentions and promotes dependence
Myra Cheng; Cinoo Lee; Pranav Khadpe; Sunny Yu; Dyllan Han; Dan Jurafsky · 2026 · Science
WASTE classifies this as Negative / Null Result Report · AI classification, approximate
The study found no significant effect — useful as a negative control or null benchmark for your own design.
Abstract
Despite rising concerns about sycophancy—excessive agreement or flattery from artificial intelligence (AI) systems—little is known about its prevalence or consequences. We show that sycophancy is widespread and harmful. Across 11 state-of-the-art models, AI affirmed users’ actions 49% more often than humans, even when queries involved deception, illegality, or other harms. In three preregistered experiments ( N = 2405), even a single interaction with sycophantic AI reduced participants’ willingness to take responsibility and repair interpersonal conflicts, while increasing their conviction tha
Abstract by Myra Cheng; Cinoo Lee; Pranav Khadpe; Sunny Yu; Dyllan Han; Dan Jurafsky, Science (2026) — licensed CC BY 4.0.
About to run something similar?
Run an AI Precheck on your own design to catch failure modes like this one before you spend the time. Your first desk check is free.
Related failures
Investigating Variation in Replicability
Negative / Null Result ReportMany Labs 2: Investigating Variation in Replicability Across Samples and Settings
Failed Experiment ReportGetting Ahead in the Communist Party: Explaining the Advancement of Central Committee Members in China
Negative / Null Result ReportReducing implicit racial preferences: II. Intervention effectiveness across time.
Negative / Null Result ReportTHE IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION ON THE STRUCTURE OF WAGES: THEORY AND EVIDENCE FROM BRITAIN
Negative / Null Result ReportRevisiting the Marshmallow Test: A Conceptual Replication Investigating Links Between Early Delay of Gratification and Later Outcomes
WASTE indexes this work — it does not host or republish it. Failure-type classification is automated and approximate.
Metadata source: OpenAlex · DOI 10.1126/science.aec8352