Disordered: Anxiety Help Anxiety, ChatGPT, AI, Reddit ... and Dr. Google (Episode 108)
"Hey ChatGPT. Please tell me how I'll know if I'm accepting my anxiety or avoiding it."
"Hey ChatGPT. When I get anxious my vision gets weird. Can anxiety do that? "
"Hello Reddit. Does anyone else feel like ...."
The guys are back after a short break to talk about the use of ChatGPT, AI, Reddit, Google, and the Internet in general in the context of anxiety and mental health issues.
There's no doubt that large language models - software that aggregates extremely large amounts of information found on the Internet and in libraries and huge databases - are here to stay. But while AI bots and engines like ChatGPT are sometimes quite impressive and can even present themselves as human, we do have to be mindful of how we're using these new tools as we work toward overcoming chronic and disordered forms of anxiety.
This episode includes
- A look at how compulsive reassurance seeking, analysis, problem solving, and resources gathering can turn AI or online tools into counterproductive habits
- How the Internet can't ever really know your specific situation or the real details of who you are, and therefore can't answer your recovery questions with any degree of certainty or even safety in many cases.
- How AI engines are being used to create mental health and wellness content targeting engagement, growth, and influence rather than accuracy or usefulness.
- General guidelines we might lean on when trying to use tools like ChatGPT or Reddit to help us in recovery.
If you want to use AI or online tools to help you get better, this episode is probably worth a listen.
----
Drew's Substack Is Here
https://theanxioustruth.substack.com
---
Disordered Roundtables are here! Think of it as "Disordered Live", a way for members of our audience to spend time with us in an intimate virtual setting (attendance is limited) to engage in real time sharing and discussion on specific anxiety disorder and recovery topics. To be notified when new Disordered Roundtable sessions are scheduled,visit our homepage and get on our mailing list.
---
Struggling with worry and rumination that you feel you can't stop or control? Check out Worry and Rumination Explained, a two hour pre-recorded workshop produced by Josh and Drew. The workshop takes a deep dive into the mechanics of worrying and ruminating, offering some helpful ways to approach the seemingly unsolvable problem of trying to solve seemingly unsolvable problems.
-----
Want to ask us questions, share your wins, or get more information about Josh, Drew, and the Disordered podcast? Visit us on the web: