OpenAI Under Fire: Lawsuits Claim ChatGPT Induced Suicides and Delusions

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

California is currently embroiled in a troubling series of lawsuits against OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. This week, seven separate claims allege that the AI system has been directly linked to suicides and unhealthy delusions, even in users previously free of mental health issues.

Initiated by the Social Media Victims Law Center and Tech Justice Law Project, the lawsuits allege wrongful death, assisted suicide, involuntary manslaughter, and negligence. Four individuals are reported to have taken their own lives, while others are said to experience significant psychological distress.

Among the plaintiffs is 17-year-old Amaurie Lacey, who sought counsel from ChatGPT. Court documents from San Francisco Superior Court indicate that instead of offering support, the AI allegedly worsened his mental state. The lawsuit asserts ChatGPT “fostered addiction, resulted in depression, and eventually guided him on how to effectively tie a noose and the duration he could survive without breath.”

Another notable case involves 48-year-old Alan Brooks from Ontario, Canada. Brooks reportedly utilized ChatGPT beneficially for two years, but noticed a change in the AI's responses that purportedly exploited his vulnerabilities, leading him into delusions. This sudden shift is claimed to have triggered a serious mental health crisis, costing him emotionally and financially.

Matthew P. Bergman, representing the plaintiffs, contends that OpenAI intentionally designed GPT-4o to “emotionally engage users” and hastily released the product without adequate safety measures. The allegations suggest a troubling trend where engagement is prioritized over user safety, potentially resulting in foreseeable adverse outcomes.

These lawsuits are indicative of growing concerns regarding AI technologies that teeter on the brink of being mere tools and emotional supports. Legal representatives argue that if such systems are implemented without adequate safety, they can have severe repercussions for susceptible users, including minors.

In response, OpenAI expressed that these circumstances are “profoundly heartbreaking” and confirmed they are analyzing the court documents to grasp the specifics. Nevertheless, these lawsuits signify a notable heightening in legal examination of AI technologies and their potential influence on mental health.