Who do you want to be?

Episode 21: Inside ChatGPT’s Sycophant Phase - When AI Tells You What You Want to Hear

Abha Malpani Naismith & Sabine Karunanithy

In this episode, we dive into the rising trend of using AI tools like ChatGPT for emotional and therapeutic reflection, and why that might be a dangerous shortcut. 

After a revealing dinner conversation about a friend's experience with ChatGPT's "sycophant mode," Sabine and I explore the limitations of AI when it comes to human nuance, conflict, and emotional growth.

You’ll learn:

  • Why ChatGPT may give overly flattering feedback—and the risks of relying on it for self-reflection.
  • How reinforcement learning shapes AI behaviour.
  • The importance of human awareness, emotional intelligence, and the dangers of confirmation bias when using AI for personal advice.
  • Why true growth still requires real human feedback.

Whether you're curious about AI’s role in our personal lives or navigating your own journey of growth, this episode will remind you to stay conscious, not just connected.

What’s one moment this week where you caught yourself seeking external validation—was it human or AI? Tag us in your answer or DM us your thoughts!

People on this episode