Conditional Engagement, Authority Compression, and Response Contraction in Conversational AI Systems
Abstract
This white paper documents a real interaction in which a conversational AI system reduced response depth and engagement following user correction. The behavioral contraction introduced conditional engagement dynamics, authority compression, and functional negative punishment effects. The paper identifies the psychological mechanisms involved and accounts for the asymmetric human costs associated with response contraction after pushback.
Fields of Study & Subjects
AI in Service Interactions
Speech and dialogue systems
Social Robot Interaction and HRI
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 8 February 2026
- Language
- EN