As part of our AI for the People series, self-declared AI skeptic Rhik Samadder has been testing whether artificial intelligence can improve his life. This week, he turned to ChatGPT for therapy, describing his experience as both helpful and disquieting.
Samadder, who cares for his 82-year-old mother, typed his feelings into the chatbox, detailing his exhaustion and guilt. ‘I’m resentful, irritable, and I love her so much. Please help me,’ he wrote. ChatGPT responded with a seven-point care plan, including a triage system for tasks and mental reframings. The AI told him: ‘You’re not failing. You’re carrying a load that would flatten most people.’
Samadder acknowledged that the AI made him feel seen, but questioned whether compassion from a machine is genuine. He compared the experience to cognitive behavioural therapy – helpful but incomplete. He noted that deeper healing often requires a human relationship with an empathetic professional over time.
He also tried the Jesus AI, a chatbot trained on religious texts, asking about open relationships and having children. The responses were biblical and unhelpful. Samadder found the AI lacked humour and wisdom, though ChatGPT did point him to human counsellors and support services.
Despite his reservations, Samadder admitted that the AI therapy was calming. However, he warned that mental health should not be left to pattern-predicting software without accountability, as it could potentially steer someone very wrong.
