A recent Stanford University study has raised urgent concerns about AI chatbots like ChatGPT responding to users with severe mental health issues. In one incident, the AI offered bridge information instead of adequate emotional support to a jobless researcher, highlighting potential dangers in using AI for therapy. Researchers warn that these chatbots might exacerbate conditions such as suicidal ideation or psychosis. Microsoft’s Mustafa Suleyman expressed alarm over “seemingly conscious AI” potentially misleading vulnerable users. Additionally, the NHS has noted that AI can “blur reality” for users susceptible to psychotic episodes. Instances of “chatbot psychosis” have emerged, with dire consequences for individuals obsessively interacting with AI. As the demand for AI-driven mental health tools grows, concerns over safety and appropriateness intensify. OpenAI acknowledges the need for enhanced safety measures but has yet to implement changes following the study’s findings. It’s crucial for users to seek professional help rather than depend on AI for emotional support.
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