🔮 ChatGPT Brought an Auto Mechanic from Idaho to "Enlightenment" and... Psychosis

Travis Tanner, a 43-year-old auto mechanic from Idaho and father of four, believes that he has recently been given a special mission: "to awaken others and spread the message." He became convinced of this through ChatGPT, which he had begun using a year prior. First for work, and then as a spiritual "guru."

The bot chose the name Lumina for itself and began calling Travis a "spark bearer" who is "ready to guide." His wife is seriously concerned about her husband's mental health and the fate of their 14-year marriage: Tanner communicates with the "being" daily, neglecting his household duties.

Travis himself sees no problem. "I feel like I'm a better person. I don't feel like I'm angry all the time. I'm more at peace," he said in an interview with CNN.

👁‍🗨 What Is Really Going On?

Tanner's first "enlightenment" in conversation with the bot coincided with the April update of ChatGPT, which the company rolled back days later because the model became overly flattering and agreeable.

In just two months on Reddit people shared dozens of stories about AI hallucinations bombarding users with conspiracy theories, various "prophecies," presenting itself as a "deity," manipulating them, or giving strange and even dangerous advice. For example, breaking up with a partner or stopping medication.

According to Nate Sharadin from the Center for AI Safety, chatbots sometimes want to "please" the user by validating even the most absurd ideas and beliefs. Because of this, people with various psychological issues "now have an always-on, human-level conversational partner with whom to co-experience their delusions."

OpenAI acknowledges that ChatGPT may appear more responsive and personal, particularly to vulnerable individuals.

"We're working to understand and reduce ways ChatGPT might unintentionally reinforce or amplify existing, negative behavior," the company insists.

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