In today’s world, it seems people are ever more eager to offload their problems onto something or someone else rather than taking responsibility. This cultural trend has taken a new form with many turning to artificial intelligence for solace, particularly using ChatGPT as a sort of digital therapist. It’s almost a parody of itself, isn’t it? Relying on a computer program to provide emotional guidance rather than seeking wisdom from real human interaction. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has issued warnings against using ChatGPT as a therapist, reminding everyone that a chatbot is not equipped to handle the complexities of human emotion and confidences.
The mystifying element is not just the reliance on AI, but the increasing inclination for therapy of any kind—digital or human. People seem all too willing to pay someone to validate their feelings and fuel their grievances. Traditional therapy sessions often become an echo chamber, with therapists confirming and supporting whatever notions their clients bring to the table. It’s affirmation therapy on a repeat cycle, where introspection becomes little more than narcissism wrapped up as mental health care. Perhaps, we should consider more robust alternatives—like engaging in physical activities or hobbies that actually redirect our focus away from ourselves.
Our forefathers didn’t have therapists. They didn’t need someone with a diploma on their wall to tell them how to get through rough patches. What they did have was common sense and the priceless wisdom of elders who had actually lived through difficulties and emerged stronger. Yet today, we see adults seeking advice from much younger therapists who have barely stepped out into the world themselves. The modern therapy industry appears inflated with individuals looking to indulge in their own psychological dramas rather than those of their patients, turning therapy into an exercise in futility for many.
All too often, those with genuine issues are taught to wallow in their past rather than truly leaving it behind. Someone brings up a childhood slight—like a parent missing a soccer game decades ago—harping on it as if it held the weight of their entire existence. Life’s a series of events, both good and bad, and clinging to the negative ones only serves to stunt growth. We should be encouraging people to step out of their self-imposed roles as victims and start living in the present, not dwell in the past.
Ultimately, for those minor personal grievances we all inevitably have, the solution is often not another hour on the couch but a step into the real world. An encouraged focus on something tangible and productive could do wonders for mental health. We could all be better off if we stopped gazing into our own reflections so often and started engaging with the world in a meaningful way. Of course, this path takes more effort than sitting back and rehashing woes, but it offers far more reward. So, here’s hoping people start choosing action over rumination.
