Examining the Influence of Agents on Human Decision-Making: A Study on Debating AI and Opinion Change

Abstract

This study aims to understand how agents influence human decision-making. We test if subjects comprehend agent opinions and change their own as a result. The focus is on debating, where participants adopt opposing positions on an issue. According to Ikemoto et al. [1], a debate involves arguing for or against a motion, with judges determining the more logical side. Research explores AI capable of debating with humans, known as 'debating AI' [3]. Little research exists on how agents change opinions through intervention. This study examines how people's opinions change after agents intervene in an online debate. Understanding effective intervention methods is crucial for implementing agent interventions.