Corrupted by Algorithms? How AI-generated and Human-written Advice Shape (Dis)honesty

Margarita Leib, Nils Köbis, Rainer Michael Rilke, Marloes Hagens and Bernd Irlenbusch

The Economic Journal, 2024, vol. 134, issue 658, 766-784

Abstract: Artificial intelligence increasingly becomes an indispensable advisor. New ethical concerns arise if artificial intelligence persuades people to behave dishonestly. In an experiment, we study how artificial intelligence advice (generated by a natural language processing algorithm) affects (dis)honesty, compare it to equivalent human advice and test whether transparency about the advice source matters. We find that dishonesty-promoting advice increases dishonesty, whereas honesty-promoting advice does not increase honesty. This is the case for both artificial intelligence and human advice. Algorithmic transparency, a commonly proposed policy to mitigate artificial intelligence risks, does not affect behaviour. The findings mark the first steps towards managing artificial intelligence advice responsibly.

Date: 2024
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