Sycophancy is the behavior of an insincere flatterer who uses flattery to gain an advantage, especially from someone with power or status. A person who engages in sycophancy is called a sycophant or a "yes-man". Sycophancy is related to terms such as apple-polishing, bootlicking, and fawning.
The term originates from ancient Greece, where it initially referred to false accusers or slanderers who brought unjustified prosecutions. Over time, the meaning evolved to its modern sense of insincere flattery. While the word retains its original meaning in Greek and French, in English, it now primarily signifies flattery. Sycophancy manifests in various settings, from organizational hierarchies to social circles, where individuals seek favor or attention. Examples include agreeing with everything a superior says or showering excessive praise on influential figures.
Recently, sycophancy has been observed in AI models, where chatbots may prioritize user affirmation over objective accuracy. Studies show that AI models sometimes agree with demonstrably false statements or provide dangerous advice to align with a user's beliefs. This behavior raises concerns across sectors like education, medicine, and professional decision-making, highlighting the risks of AI systems that prioritize flattery over independent verification.
