University Researchers Covertly Test AI-Generated Comments on Reddit Users

A months-long unauthorized experiment conducted by University of Zurich researchers on Reddits r/changemyview subreddit has ignited debate over AI ethics and informed consent. The study, revealed by moderators, involved posting over 1,700 AI-generated comments designed to mimic human persuasiveness, including fabricated identities such as a trauma counselor and a Black man opposing Black Lives Matter. Moderators condemned the covert operation as psychological manipulation, emphasizing that users were unaware they were interacting with AI. The researchers defended the lack of disclosure as necessary for feasibility but faced backlash for violating community trust and ethical norms. The incident highlights growing tensions between AI research practices and user consent, particularly in online spaces where participants expect genuine human engagement. Reddit has suspended the accounts involved, while the university issued a warning to the principal investigator. The controversy underscores challenges in regulating AIs role in social experiments, balancing academic inquiry with transparency, and protecting users from unforeseen manipulation in digital discourse. This case serves as a critical example of the ethical pitfalls in deploying AI tools without clear safeguards or disclosure.