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

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Listed:
  • Margarita Leib
  • Nils Kobis
  • Rainer Michael Rilke
  • Marloes Hagens
  • Bernd Irlenbusch

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly becomes an indispensable advisor. New ethical concerns arise if AI persuades people to behave dishonestly. In an experiment, we study how AI advice (generated by a Natural-Language-Processing algorithm) affects (dis)honesty, compare it to equivalent human advice, and test whether transparency about 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 AI- and human advice. Algorithmic transparency, a commonly proposed policy to mitigate AI risks, does not affect behaviour. The findings mark the first steps towards managing AI advice responsibly.

Suggested Citation

  • Margarita Leib & Nils Kobis & Rainer Michael Rilke & Marloes Hagens & Bernd Irlenbusch, 2023. "Corrupted by Algorithms? How AI-generated and Human-written Advice Shape (Dis)honesty," Papers 2301.01954, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2301.01954
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    1. Qiang Chen & Tianyang Han & Jin Li & Ye Luo & Zigan Wang & Yuxiao Wu & Xiaowei Zhang & Tuo Zhou, 2025. "Can AI Master Econometrics? Evidence from Econometrics AI Agent on Expert-Level Tasks," Papers 2506.00856, arXiv.org, revised Jan 2026.
    2. Buchanan, Joy & Hickman, William, 2024. "Do people trust humans more than ChatGPT?," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 112(C).

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