People are using AI to ‘sit’ with them while they trip on psychedelics

A growing number of people are using AI chatbots as “trip sitters” and sharing their experiences online.

While it’s far cheaper than in-person psychedelic therapy, it can go badly awry.

Experts say it's a potent blend of two cultural trends: using AI for therapy and using psychedelics.

ChatGPT is designed to provide only factual information and to prioritize user safety, a spokesperson for OpenAI told MIT Technology Review .

TripSitAI is focused on harm reduction, providing invaluable support during challenging or overwhelming moments, according to its builder.

Psychotherapist Will Van Derveer : "Engaging [with an] AI that’s talking to you is not really what psychedelic therapy is about".

Linguist Emily M. Bender and sociologist Alex Hanna argue that the phrase “artificial intelligence” belies the actual function of this technology.

The misconception of algorithms as “intelligent” entities is a dangerous one, they argue.

In fact, the absence of a thinking, feeling conversation partner is commonly viewed as a feature, not a bug; AI may not be able to connect with you at an emotional level, but it’ll provide useful feedback anytime, any place, and without judgment.