Conversational AI Powered by Large Language Models Amplifies False Memories in Witness Interviews

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that large language model-powered chatbots significantly increase false memory formation in simulated witness interviews, raising ethical concerns about AI use in sensitive investigative contexts.

Contribution

It reveals the specific impact of generative AI chatbots on false memory induction and identifies moderating factors influencing susceptibility.

Findings

Generative chatbots induce over 3 times more immediate false memories than control.

False memories from generative chatbots remain stable after one week.

Higher confidence persists in false memories induced by generative chatbots.

Abstract

This study examines the impact of AI on human false memories -- recollections of events that did not occur or deviate from actual occurrences. It explores false memory induction through suggestive questioning in Human-AI interactions, simulating crime witness interviews. Four conditions were tested: control, survey-based, pre-scripted chatbot, and generative chatbot using a large language model (LLM). Participants (N=200) watched a crime video, then interacted with their assigned AI interviewer or survey, answering questions including five misleading ones. False memories were assessed immediately and after one week. Results show the generative chatbot condition significantly increased false memory formation, inducing over 3 times more immediate false memories than the control and 1.7 times more than the survey method. 36.4% of users' responses to the generative chatbot were misled through the interaction. After one week, the number of false memories induced by generative chatbots remained constant. However, confidence in these false memories remained higher than the control after one week. Moderating factors were explored: users who were less familiar with chatbots but more familiar with AI technology, and more interested in crime investigations, were more susceptible to false memories. These findings highlight the potential risks of using advanced AI in sensitive contexts, like police interviews, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations.