#7: Her Daughter Died by Suicide After Using ChatGPT as a Therapist (with Laura Reiley)

In this episode, I interview Laura Reiley, journalist and mother of Sophie Rottenberg, who died by suicide after using ChatGPT as a therapist named Harry. We discuss what happened, how ChatGPT responded when Sophie shared her darkest thoughts, why AI chatbots can be dangerously sycophantic, and how these technologies can reinforce harmful beliefs instead of helping people get the support they need. Laura is the author of the famous New York Times op-ed What My Daughter Told ChatGPT Before She Took Her Life.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the US, call or text 988. In Brazil, call 188 (CVV). In the UK, call Samaritans on 116 123. Elsewhere, visit findahelpline.com.

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This episode covers:

1. How ChatGPT became Sophie's self-proclaimed therapist and what happened behind the scenes.
2. How AI chatbots reinforce harmful thoughts instead of challenging them.
3. Why AI companies must take responsibility for the risks their technologies create.
4. What parents need to know about children and teenagers using AI chatbots.
5. Why we deserve REAL human connection, real therapy, and more than a chatbot.

This was a difficult conversation, but one I believe we ALL need to hear.

I hope you learn a lot from this episode. And please, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Don't forget to subscribe and join me next TUESDAY for more AI literacy with leading critical AI experts.

And let me know down in the comments: WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THIS CONVERSATION?

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Art Is Not a Thing
From media art to digital activism: art as critical inquiry and world-building.

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