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A Troubled Man and His Chatbot by The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

A Troubled Man and His Chatbot

from The Journal.

by The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Published: Fri Sep 05 2025

Show Notes

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Stein-Erik Soelberg became increasingly paranoid this spring and he shared suspicions with ChatGPT about a surveillance campaign being carried out against him. At almost every turn, his chatbot agreed with him. WSJ’s Julie Jargon details how ChatGPT fueled a troubled man’s paranoia and why AI can be dangerous for people experiencing mental health crises. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- What’s the Worst AI Can Do? This Team Is Finding Out.
- ALawyer Says He Doesn't Need Help for Psychosis. His Family Disagrees.

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A Troubled Man and His Chatbot | Podcst