I am sure there was already something going on, but the sycophantic nature of AI chatbots means they are very effective at preying on mental illness.

You can see how someone with schizophrenia, OCD, etc. might get into a very unhealthy state with them. Or the lonely people being taken in by creepy "AI girlfriend" apps.

Again, not that there aren't undeying issues, but in the race for more AI everything it's clear that these companies don't give a shit who gets chewed up and destroyed on the way. And in the US, AI chatbots are now the fastest way someone can feel like they're being listened to and understood by a therapist. And, given the political situation, I won't be at all surprised if ChatGPT is approved as a therapist. They've already got AI prescription writing in Utah.

Yeah, and people who get abused by evil spiritual leaders usually have pre-existing problems too, but those spiritual leaders need to be separated from society. And if AI isn't safe for everyone to use, it should have a licensing process the same as guns or cars. Or at least be adults-only like alcohol.

Yeah, you don't get talked into thinking you're Jesus without already being a tad loopy.

It may never see broad adoption because it's too dangerous to vulnerable people.

Funny, I draw the opposite conclusion: that's exactly why it will become a pervasive part of society

Mental health awareness and action in the US? As if