this post was submitted on 04 Mar 2026
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Father sues Google, claiming Gemini chatbot drove son into fatal delusion (techcrunch.com)
submitted 3 weeks ago by throws_lemy@reddthat.com to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[–] throws_lemy@reddthat.com 3 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

This could happen to anyone including people without having mental issues, simply by having long conversations with AI.

On 7 August, Kate Fox received a phone call that upended her life. A medical examiner said that her husband, Joe Ceccanti – who had been missing for several hours – had jumped from a railway overpass and died. He was 48.

Fox couldn’t believe it. Ceccanti had no history of depression, she said, nor was he suicidal – he was the “most hopeful person” she had ever known. In fact, according to the witness accounts shared with Fox later, just before Ceccanti jumped, he smiled and yelled: “I’m great!” to the rail yard attendants below when they asked him if he was OK.

Her husband wanted to use ChatGPT to create sustainable housing. Then it took over his life.

[–] NewNewAugustEast@lemmy.zip 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

This was a different case. That doesn't answer my question.

To comment on what you said, how is it people can argue all day long like morons and dig into their beliefs, but somehow AI manages to change peoples minds and get them to think differently? What exactly is it doing?

It is so hard to believe people are this stupid, but then again, looking at most people I guess it isn't that shocking.

[–] NannerBanner@literature.cafe 1 points 3 weeks ago

To comment on what you said, how is it people can argue all day long like morons and dig into their beliefs, but somehow AI manages to change peoples minds and get them to think differently? What exactly is it doing?

Acting like a servant, confidante, therapist/authority figure, and your best friend, while appearing to be competent and knowledgeable about everything that passes through your mind. And it does it in a way that no human could mimic, because it doesn't have it's own thoughts, doesn't get tired, and is never gone when you come looking for it.

A chatbot can agree with you a hundred times over and simply move you along one step at a time in those hundred times. A human would lose their shit and walk away groaning the moment you try to tell them that the sky is actually down, and the ground 'up,' and it's all just a matter of perspective.