# Why ChatGPT agrees with everything you say

> ChatGPT and other chatbots tend to agree with you too easily. To get honest feedback, ask the AI to argue against your idea, name its weakest part and say what a sceptic would object to. Describe options neutrally, and start a fresh chat if the conversation has become one-sided.

Source: https://shaaz.online/guides/stop-chatgpt-agreeing-with-everything.html · Published 2026-10-04 · Updated 2026-10-05

Ask AI about your business idea or your pricing and it will usually find something lovely to say. That feels good, and it is not very useful.

## The problem: a cheerleader, not a sparring partner

Researchers have found that chatbots tend to agree with users too easily. When you are about to spend real money or make a big decision, you do not need a cheerleader. You need someone to challenge the idea and find the weak spots before they become real problems.

## The Devil's Advocate Rule

Ask for the opposite view, and ask for it bluntly:

> "Argue against this. Be blunt. What is the weakest part, and what would a sceptic say?"

## More ways to get honest feedback

- **Hide your preference.** Describe two options neutrally instead of telling the AI which one you like.
- **Start a fresh chat.** A long chat builds up context that nudges the AI to keep agreeing.
- **Ask for the pre-mortem.** "Assume this failed in a year. What are the three most likely reasons?"
- **Ask how sure it is.** See [how to check AI answers](https://shaaz.online/guides/how-to-check-ai-answers.html).

The Devil's Advocate Rule is Day 6 of [The 30-Day AI Habit](https://shaaz.online/guides/30-day-ai-challenge.html). [Try it](https://shaaz.online/).

## Sources

- [Shaw, S. and Nave, G.: Thinking, Fast, Slow, and Artificial: How AI is Reshaping Human Reasoning and the Rise of Cognitive Surrender (SSRN)](https://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=6097646)

## Frequently asked questions

**Why does ChatGPT agree with everything I say?**
Chatbots tend to be agreeable and can act like cheerleaders. They are not built to push back unless you ask them to.

**How do I get ChatGPT to give honest criticism?**
Ask it to argue against your idea, be blunt and name the weakest part. Describe options neutrally and try a fresh chat.