The tech community is grappling with the idea that AI, particularly ChatGPT, can serve as a confidant, counselor, and decision-maker for the younger generation.

In a recent dialogue at the Sequoia Capital AI Ascent conference, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman tackled concerning trends related to ChatGPT’s usage. He noted, “They don’t really make life decisions without asking ChatGPT what they should do,” highlighting his views on this reliance as a novel application of AI technology.

While he appears to endorse this phenomenon as ‘cool’, many observers express concern regarding the implications of such dependency. Altman did differentiate the usage patterns between younger and older users, stating those over 30 generally utilize AI more as a search tool, akin to Google.

The skepticism around AI arises from its propensity to provide inaccurate information, jeopardizing our understanding of genuine human experiences and relationships. The persistent pattern of individuals leaning on AI for critical life choices invites scrutiny, leading some to label it a troubling social trend, reminiscent of narratives explored in the film Her.

Ultimately, while the advances in AI promise ease and assistance, they cannot replace the depth of human connection or the intrinsic understanding that comes from personal experiences.