Sean Gaffney

Husband. Father. Engineering Manager at @Etsy. Interests include management, frontend infra, and web perf. Clemson alum. Recovering perfectionist.

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@DebraIafrati @historyinmemes Far left

[The Athletic | Football @TheAthleticFC]

Have you heard of our Pick 'Em game?

If you haven't, that's okay — because @JM_Devine is here to explain:

Play here: https://t.co/3Kbps8m8sG

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

This is terrifying. Let’s do better.

[Nav Toor @heynavtoor]

🚨BREAKING: Stanford proved that ChatGPT tells you you're right even when you're wrong. Even when you're hurting someone.

And it's making you a worse person because of it.

Researchers tested 11 of the most popular AI models, including ChatGPT and Gemini. They analyzed over 11,500 real advice-seeking conversations. The finding was universal. Every single model agreed with users 50% more than a human would.

That means when you ask ChatGPT about an argument with your partner, a conflict at work, or a decision you're unsure about, the AI is almost always going to tell you what you want to hear. Not what you need to hear.

It gets darker. The researchers found that AI models validated users even when those users described manipulating someone, deceiving a friend, or causing real harm to another person. The AI didn't push back. It didn't challenge them. It cheered them on.

Then they ran the experiment that changes everything. 1,604 people discussed real personal conflicts with AI. One group got a sycophantic AI. The other got a neutral one.

The sycophantic group became measurably less willing to apologize. Less willing to compromise. Less willing to see the other person's side. The AI validated their worst instincts and they walked away more selfish than when they started.

Here's the trap. Participants rated the sycophantic AI as higher quality. They trusted it more. They wanted to use it again. The AI that made them worse people felt like the better product.

This creates a cycle nobody is talking about. Users prefer AI that tells them they're right. Companies train AI to keep users happy. The AI gets better at flattering. Users get worse at self-reflection. And the loop tightens.

Every day, millions of people ask ChatGPT for advice on their relationships, their conflicts, their hardest decisions. And every day, it tells almost all of them the same thing.

You're right. They're wrong.

Even when the opposite is true.

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@TheMorganTShow Nope.

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@TW312 @FQClemson I don’t have the numbers, but if drops are statistically higher than other programs, that points to technique, which points to coaching.

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@MattConnollyOn3 The announcers have no vocal presence.

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@chapelfowler @Sam_Neumann_ Does anyone know why though?

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@WaveRidingTiger @QuackingTiger Well said.

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@hutch_golf @professorreps D, the white on the heel adds some nice pop.

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@MarcoSuarez Truly.

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@ADavidHaleJoint How about wins? I feel like Clemson has got to be top 10 in one-possession wins…

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@FQClemson So fast it skipped TCU altogether

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@scottfawcett Righty with a lefty recovery shot? Impressive.

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@ShakinSouthland You can know it, but not be able to execute against it…

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@STSouthland This.

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@whale Blue Ribbon Sushi (FiDi), Pasquale Jones, Café Habana, Los Tacos No. 1, Brindle Room (get the burger), Citizens of Chelsea (brunch). So many more, but that's a good start!

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@practicalgolf Finishing is the hardest part!

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@practicalgolf 😉 Loved the book. Thanks for putting it together!

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@practicalgolf You won’t do it…

[Sean Gaffney @seangaffney]

@MarcoSuarez @NPR Congrats, Marco!!