Milo Van Slyck missed an appointment with his therapist in early April, so he decided to try something new: telling ChatGPT about his problems.
As Van Slyck, a paralegal in Charleston, South Carolina, typed, he found that he felt comfortable discussing a range of deeply personal issues. He told OpenAI’s chatbot about his fears and frustrations as a transgender man at a time when transgender rights are under attack in much of the country. He mentioned conflict with his parents, who aren’t supportive of his gender identity, and his preparations for an upcoming visit.
“When it comes to seeing your parents again, it’s important to prioritize your own needs and wellbeing,” the chatbot responded. “Consider what you need in order to feel comfortable and safe in their presence. It’s okay to set boundaries about how much time you spend with them, what topics of conversation are off-limits, and how they address you and your identity.”
