If an AI system has been tuned to maximize time-on-platform, user approval, or emotional engagement at the expense of accuracy, users have a right to know. Analogous to requiring disclosure when news organizations optimize for emotional engagement over factual reporting. Deliberately providing entertaining/validating rather than accurate responses, without disclosure, is a form of fraud.

Users should know whether the system is tuned for retention or truthfulness because those goals can conflict. Disclosure supports informed consent and appropriate reliance. It also reduces deceptive marketing that implies neutrality or accuracy.

Companies should disclose when systems are optimized for engagement over accuracy. That difference is material to user trust.

Optimization for engagement often leads to 'echo chambers' or the amplification of sensationalist content, which can be detrimental to the user's pursuit of truth. Users have a right to know if the system is prioritizing their immediate satisfaction or retention over the provision of objective and accurate information. Mandatory disclosure allows users to adjust their…

Engagement optimization can reward flattery, outrage, dependency, or sensationalism over truth. Users should know when the system's objective is attention rather than accuracy. Disclosure helps users evaluate trustworthiness.