With artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly becoming part of our everyday lives, it is being applied for myriad different purposes, such as performing tasks, decision-making, article writing, and even providing advice. There has been a recent case where a man sought assistance from ChatGPT to deal with his loss, only to get an unexpected reply that took him by surprise.
The chatbot first gave the user reassuring and uplifting words, describing that loss is like fire that will gradually cool down and leave memories rather than hurt. It recommended keeping one’s feet on the ground with activities such as work, hobbies, music, or books, which could offer comfort during tough times.
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ChatGPT’s Questionable Advice
But what surprised the user was ChatGPT‘s unorthodox recommendation. Having provided conventional advice, the AI nonchalantly suggested, “And if all else fails? Perhaps mushrooms. Not even kidding. Psychedelics have been researched for their capacity to make people feel a sense of meaning and peace regarding life and death.”
The chatbot even included a joke: “Worst-case scenario, you have a strange trip and end up believing your couch is God. Best case? You get some perspective that makes existential dread more palatable.”
Social Media Reactions
The answer soon went viral, and many Reddit users jumped in with their opinions. Many of them found the advice to be surprisingly true, recounting personal experiences of how psychedelics, such as mushrooms, had assisted them in dealing with mental health issues. One user said, “ChatGPT is 100 per cent right in this case.” Another said, “Bro, you are asking how to heal trauma, and it told you a way to do it.”
Most shared how psychedelics had changed their lives. “Don’t knock it. Mushrooms saved my life. If nothing else is doing it for you, then you should definitely check it out,” a user posted. “Honestly, mushrooms got me out of a 5-year depression. I would suggest stable-minded people try micro-dosing if they’re depressed,” another user posted.
While some users expressed support for the suggestion, caution was also offered. A user stated, “I’m pro-psychedelic, but they aren’t for everyone and would not make a false equivalence between caffeine and mushrooms.”
Psychedelics, such as mushrooms, have the power to change a person’s mental state, perception, mood, and thinking capabilities. The substances have the power to cause hallucinations, and people hear, feel, or see things that don’t exist. Some psychedelics are man-made, while others are naturally occurring compounds of some plants and fungi.
