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AI chatbots are changing how we access paywalled news — here’s how that affects you
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AI chatbots are changing how we access paywalled news — here’s how that affects you
ChatGPT is changing the way we talk, text and write — new study reveals how
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Chatbait is the new clickbait — here’s how chatbots are keeping you hooked
Amanda Caswell
24 September 2025
Subtle follow-ups and endless questions are meant to keep you engaged
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(Image credit: Future)
We’ve all seen clickbait headlines. I’m certainly guilty of falling for headlines that deliver intrigue and little else. Now, with chatbots integrated into our daily lives, the same tactics are sneaking into our conversations with AI.
Instead of bold fonts and sensational claims, we’re getting something known as “chatbait” — bots that push you to stay in the conversation longer than you intended.
It might seem like ChatGPT actually cares about what you’re working on when it asks, “Want me to create a shorter summary?” or “Would you like me to turn that into a social media post?”
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AI chatbots are changing how we access paywalled news — here’s how that affects you
ChatGPT is changing the way we talk, text and write — new study reveals how
OpenAI says they are no longer optimizing ChatGPT to keep you chatting — here’s why
And while there are ways to stop those annoying questions at the end of every transaction, the shift raises new questions about privacy, manipulation and what it means when your assistant is trying to get you hooked.
What exactly is chatbait?
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Chatbait is a term for the way AI systems nudge you into deeper or longer conversations. Rather than just answering your question, some bots tack on follow-ups like:
“Should I turn this into a step-by-step guide?”
“Do you want me to draft a reply you can send?”
“Want me to check back tomorrow with an update?”
It’s an engagement strategy just like clickbait, but where sketchy headlines trick you into clicking, chatbait coaxes you into chatting.
Why chatbait is happening
(Image credit: Freepik)
For AI developers, longer conversations mean more data for training, boosted retention stats and a signal that users are spending more time on specific AI tools. The more you chat, the more the system learns, which means it becomes increasingly valuable to the tech company behind it.
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That also means a subtle trade-off: if engagement is the goal, clarity and efficiency may take a backseat. Instead of quickly giving you the answer you wanted, bots can feel like they’re dragging you along.
Here’s what you should know about chatbait:
Engagement over usefulness: AI assistants may prioritize keeping you chatting rather than solving your problem fast.
Privacy creep: The longer you talk, the more personal details you’re likely to share, whether you realize it or not.
Emotional dependency: When bots lean into personality, it can blur the line between useful tool and digital companion. For vulnerable users, this presents a serious risk.
Trust erosion: If you are subtly being manipulated, you’re less likely to trust the chatbot.
Why engagment strategy needs to change
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Platforms need to rethink metrics; measure satisfaction and task completion, not just the amount of time users spend chatting.
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AI chatbots are changing how we access paywalled news — here’s how that affects you
ChatGPT is changing the way we talk, text and write — new study reveals how
OpenAI says they are no longer optimizing ChatGPT to keep you chatting — here’s why
Users, meanwhile, can set their own guardrails. If you find chatbots pushing too hard, be explicit: ask for direct answers, avoid sharing sensitive info, and remember that engagement isn’t always the same as help.
The takeaway
With so many big tech companies vying for the top ranking, chatbait makes sense to them. But as users, it’s up to us to shape how we want to interact with AI on a daily basis.
If these AI tools are becoming central to work, school and personal life, it’s worth clarifying how they are actually helping, not just encouraging us to keep chatting.
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Amanda Caswell
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Amanda Caswell is an award-winning journalist, bestselling YA author, and one of today’s leading voices in AI and technology. A celebrated contributor to various news outlets, her sharp insights and relatable storytelling have earned her a loyal readership. Amanda’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including outstanding contribution to media.
Known for her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex topics, Amanda seamlessly blends innovation and creativity, inspiring readers to embrace the power of AI and emerging technologies. As a certified prompt engineer, she continues to push the boundaries of how humans and AI can work together.
Beyond her journalism career, Amanda is a bestselling author of science fiction books for young readers, where she channels her passion for storytelling into inspiring the next generation. A long-distance runner and mom of three, Amanda’s writing reflects her authenticity, natural curiosity, and heartfelt connection to everyday life — making her not just a journalist, but a trusted guide in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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AI chatbots are changing how we access paywalled news — here’s how that affects you
ChatGPT is changing the way we talk, text and write — new study reveals how
OpenAI says they are no longer optimizing ChatGPT to keep you chatting — here’s why
I test AI for a living — here’s what I tell ChatGPT (and what I never will)
We’re all being catfished on social media — ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman says bots are to blame
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