Why do we trust chatbots and how can we use them more wisely? A psychologist explains

Decades of research on processing fluency show that the easier information is to take in, the truer it feels. (Piqsels)

Sometime this week, you probably did it: A question came up, and instead of searching for the answer online or reaching for a book, you asked a chatbot for it.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. By February this year, ChatGPT alone had 900 million weekly users, and a large study found that people mostly use it for searches under the broad topics of “seeking information,” “practical guidance” and “writing.”