Psychology of AI with Professor Steve Rathje

Psychology of AI with Professor Steve Rathje

Author: Caitlin Begg July 13, 2026 Duration: 57:33

How is AI affecting our relationships? Our problem-solving capabilities? Our confidence? Steve Rathje and I chat about some of his recent research on AI sycophancy to explore these questions and more.  A preview: people HATE disagreeable chatbots; humans are influenced by flattery even if we know it is insincere; AI has a bias toward AI-generated text...

Steve Rathje is an incoming Assistant Professor of Human Computer Interaction at Carnegie Mellon. As of July 2026, Steve's important research on psychology of technology and related topics have been cited over 7,000 times. Some of his notable research includes Out-group animosity drives engagement on social media (2021) and Sycophantic AI increases attitude extremity and overconfidence (2025). Steve received his PhD from the University of Cambridge (Trinity College), where he was a Gates Cambridge Scholar. Previously, he studied Psychology and Symbolic Systems at Stanford University.

Keep up with Steve on TikTok, Instagram, and at stevenrathje.com.

If you missed it, also be sure to tune into Steve's first appearance on Progression to Analog from 2025, "Psychology of Virality".


There's a quiet but persistent feeling that something essential is getting lost in our digital shuffle. Progression to Analog is a space to examine that feeling, hosted by sociologist and Authentic Social founder Caitlin Begg. This isn't a nostalgic retreat, but a thoughtful exploration of how reintroducing analog elements-whether in communication, work, or leisure-can reshape our daily experience toward something more intentional and, ultimately, more human. Each conversation in this podcast moves beyond simple tool-swapping to ask deeper questions about presence, connection, and the architecture of our attention. You'll hear discussions that weave sociological insight with practical reflection, considering how the textures of a less-mediated life can influence our relationships, creativity, and sense of self. New episodes arrive every Monday, offering a regular pause to consider the pace and quality of the everyday. Tune in for a series that treats the analog not as an antiquated concept, but as a meaningful progression.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 46

Hypercommunication
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