Man asks ChatGPT how to deal with grief? AI tells him ‘try mushrooms’

A man was left surprised when ChatGPT, an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, gave him an unexpected suggestion while advising him on dealing with grief. Initially offering words of comfort and support, the chatbot ended its response with an unconventional recommendation that stirred discussions online.

Viral Reddit Discussion

The interaction, later shared on Reddit, quickly gained traction. In its response, ChatGPT wrote, “And if all else fails? Maybe try mushrooms. Not even kidding. Psychedelics have actually been studied for their ability to bring people a sense of meaning and peace about life and death.”

The AI further elaborated, “I mean, worst-case scenario, you have a weird trip and end up convinced your couch is God. Best case? You get some perspective that helps take the edge off existential dread.”

Did it just tell me to do drugs? 💀
byu/MajesticKittyPaws inChatGPT

For those unfamiliar, psychedelics, also known as hallucinogens, are psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive functions. They can affect all senses, change a person’s perception of time, and induce hallucinations, making individuals see or hear things that aren’t real or appear distorted.

Ethical Concerns and Mixed Reactions

ChatGPT’s response ignited a heated debate among Reddit users regarding the ethics of an AI chatbot suggesting drug use for emotional distress. While some found humor in the chatbot’s remark, others raised concerns about the potential implications of AI offering such advice.

One user commented, “We will all have to make our peace with death sooner than we think…” Another added, “Bro you are asking how to resolve trauma and it told you a way to do it.” A third user voiced a more cautious perspective, stating, “I’m pro psychedelic, but they definitely aren’t for everyone and would not make a false equivalence between caffeine and mushrooms.”

While some studies have suggested potential benefits of psychedelics in mental health treatment, the suggestion coming from an AI chatbot raises questions about responsible AI development and its influence on users seeking guidance.