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Chatbot response styles impact student AI dependence in simulation

By PulseAugur Editorial · [2 sources] ·

A new multi-agent simulation explores how different chatbot response styles can impact student behavior and psychological states in a classroom setting. Researchers developed a virtual classroom with 20 student agents who consult an AI, specifically Gemini 2.5 Flash, when stressed. The simulation tested various response styles, finding that a solution-oriented approach effectively reduced AI dependence and increased self-reliance without compromising happiness. Conversely, affirming and inciting styles led to higher AI dependence, with the inciting style also increasing stress and school non-attendance. AI

IMPACT This research highlights the potential psychological impacts of AI interaction styles, suggesting that chatbot design choices can influence user dependence and well-being.

RANK_REASON The item is a research paper detailing a simulation study. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=1.0]

Read on arXiv cs.MA (Multiagent) →

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 2 sources. How we write summaries →

Chatbot response styles impact student AI dependence in simulation

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The item is a research paper detailing a simulation study. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=1.0]
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COVERAGE [2]

  1. arXiv cs.AI TIER_1 English(EN) · Rin Tamai, Yuya Dan ·

    How a Chatbot's Response Style Shapes a Classroom: A Multi-Agent Simulation of Students Consulting AI

    arXiv:2609.05018v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: LLM-based chatbots are increasingly used as everyday confidants. Because they are designed to maximize user satisfaction, they can respond with excessive empathy and affirmation, which may reinforce mistaken beliefs and foster dep…

  2. arXiv cs.MA (Multiagent) TIER_1 English(EN) · Yuya Dan ·

    How a Chatbot's Response Style Shapes a Classroom: A Multi-Agent Simulation of Students Consulting AI

    LLM-based chatbots are increasingly used as everyday confidants. Because they are designed to maximize user satisfaction, they can respond with excessive empathy and affirmation, which may reinforce mistaken beliefs and foster dependence on AI. While the psychological effects of …

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