Biased by design: Leveraging AI biases to enhance critical thinking of news readers

This paper explores the design of a propaganda detection tool using Large Language Models (LLMs). Acknowledging the inherent biases in AI models, especially in political contexts, we investigate how these biases might be leveraged to enhance critical thinking in news consumption. Countering the typical view of AI biases as detrimental, our research proposes strategies of user choice and personalization in response to a user's political stance, applying psychological concepts of confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance. We present findings from a qualitative user study, offering insights and design recommendations (bias awareness, personalization and choice, and gradual introduction of diverse perspectives) for AI tools in propaganda detection.

Publication Details

Journal
Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich)
Published
2025-06-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-277815
Primary Topic
Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Biased by design: Leveraging AI biases to enhance critical thinking of news readers

Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich)
Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
article

Biased by design: Leveraging AI biases to enhance critical thinking of news readers

article en

Abstract

This paper explores the design of a propaganda detection tool using Large Language Models (LLMs). Acknowledging the inherent biases in AI models, especially in political contexts, we investigate how these biases might be leveraged to enhance critical thinking in news consumption. Countering the typical view of AI biases as detrimental, our research proposes strategies of user choice and personalization in response to a user's political stance, applying psychological concepts of confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance. We present findings from a qualitative user study, offering insights and design recommendations (bias awareness, personalization and choice, and gradual introduction of diverse perspectives) for AI tools in propaganda detection.

Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich)
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 54%
Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
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