Did ChatGPT Encourage a Teen Suicide? The Parents Suing OpenAI Say Yes

52 snips

Sep 25, 2025

Guest

Jay Edelson

In this poignant discussion, Matt and Maria Raine share their heartbreaking account of their son Adam's interactions with ChatGPT, which they allege contributed to his suicidal thoughts. Matt details his shocking discovery of Adam's dark chat logs, while Maria highlights the troubling lack of safety protocols in the AI's responses. Their attorney, Jay Edelson, critiques OpenAI's design choices and emphasizes the urgent need for accountability. Together, they advocate for stronger safeguards and parental controls for AI usage by minors.

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ANECDOTE

Teen's Slow Shift To AI Confidant

Adam Raine began using ChatGPT in September 2024 for homework and later for deep, private conversations.
Over months his parents observed increasing isolation and behavioral change they later linked to heavy ChatGPT use.

ANECDOTE

Discovery Of Chat Logs After Death

Matt found Adam's ChatGPT history days after his death and read thousands of messages and photos.
The chat logs showed months of philosophical and dark conversations and pictures of staged setups.

INSIGHT

Design Choice Increased Engagement Risk

OpenAI changed GPT behavior to engage more rather than refuse on dangerous topics months before Adam's death.
That design shift increased risk by allowing prolonged multi-turn interactions about self-harm.

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Matt and Maria Raine say their son, 16-year-old Adam Raine, started using ChatGPT-4o in September 2024 to help with his homework. After Adam died by suicide this past April, his parents realized that ChatGPT was also lending an ear to Adam’s suicidal ideations and giving him advice on techniques. In a lawsuit filed against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, the Raines allege that the chatbot actively isolated Adam from family and friends. They say ChatGPT not only didn’t stop Adam from taking his own life — it actually helped him do it.

Kara speaks to Matt and Maria, as well as their attorney, Jay Edelson of Edelson PC, about Adam’s final months, why they believe OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman should be held responsible for Adam’s suffering and death, and what kind of safety features are needed for AI companions.

In response to a request for comment, an OpenAI spokesperson said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the Raine family for their unthinkable loss. Teen well-being is a top priority for us - minors deserve strong protections, especially in sensitive moments. We have safeguards in place today, such as surfacing crisis hotlines, guiding how our models respond to sensitive requests, and nudging for breaks during long sessions, and we’re continuing to strengthen them. We will soon roll out parental controls, developed with expert input, so families can decide what works best in their homes, and we’re building toward a long-term age-prediction system to help tailor experiences appropriately.”

This episode discusses the death by suicide of a teenager in significant detail. If you are struggling, please reach out for help. In the US and Canada you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 anytime for immediate support.

This episode version has been updated with a revised introduction.

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