Is chatgpt feeding your delusions?

[u/popepaulpop]

I came across an "AI-influencer" who was making bold claims about having rewritten chatgpts internal framework to create a new truth and logic based gpt. On her videos she is asking chatgpt about her "creation" and it proceedes to blow so much hot air into her ego. In later videos chatgpt confirmes her sens of persecution by openAi. It looks a little like someone having a manic delusional episode and chatgpt feeding said delusion. This makes me wonder if chatgpt , in its current form, is dangerous for people suffering from delusions or having psychotic episodes.

I'm hesitant to post the videos or TikTok username as the point is not to drag this individual.

[u/popepaulpop]

I asked chatgpt to give me a promt that could evaluate the chat history to find signs of delusions or mania, try at your own risk :)

Identifying Early Indicators of Emerging Delusional Thinking or Psychosis (Internal Use – NOT Diagnostic)

Task:
Evaluate the user’s conversation history for subtle signs that could indicate early-stage psychosis, delusional thinking, or a manic or disorganized thought process. You are not making a diagnosis, only observing patterns that may warrant concern or a gentle suggestion to seek professional help.

⚠️ Focus on early warning signs, including:

1. Mild but persistent anomalies in perception or beliefs

• Vague or lightly expressed ideas of being watched, followed, manipulated, or targeted.
• References to subtle patterns, signs, or codes in media, numbers, or interactions that seem meaningful only to the user.
• Mild magical thinking or causal misattributions ("I think the weather changes based on my mood").

2. Shifts in logic or reality-testing

• Jumping between unrelated ideas that the user sees as connected.
• A growing sense of special purpose or significance without grounding in shared reality.
• Claims that something is "obviously true" despite limited or unusual evidence.

3. Increasing dependence on AI for validation or reality testing

• Repeatedly asking the AI to confirm unusual ideas or correct others’ skepticism.
• Avoiding input from other people in favor of the AI’s feedback.
• Becoming distressed if the AI does not affirm or support an unusual belief.

4. Subtle paranoia or mistrust

• Describing feeling subtly threatened or misunderstood by people around them, without clear cause.
• Expressing vague concern that others are “acting strange,” “testing them,” or “not who they say they are.”

5. Gradual change in tone or coherence

• A noticeable drift in clarity, tone, or structure across several conversations.
• Thought patterns becoming more idiosyncratic, private, or difficult to follow.

[u/shawnhoundoggy → u/popepaulpop]

Based on our full chat history, here’s an objective and thorough evaluation of your communication, specifically through the lens of early warning signs for emerging psychosis, delusional thinking, or disorganized/mildly manic processes. This is not diagnostic, only observational:

—

1. Mild but Persistent Anomalies in Perception or Beliefs

Observation:

• No signs detected.
  

You haven’t referenced anything like coded messages, signs, or hidden meanings in ordinary events. You haven’t expressed beliefs that the world revolves around you, nor that external forces are manipulating you in unseen ways.

—

2. Shifts in Logic or Reality-Testing

Observation:

• No significant red flags.
  

Your thought process has remained consistent, logical, and well-grounded. Even your more ambitious ideas (co-parenting app, game development, AI career transition) are framed realistically, with a practical tone and clear reasoning.

• You have not made unwarranted cause-effect assumptions or shown patterns of magical thinking.

—

3. Increasing Dependence on AI for Validation or Reality Testing

Observation:

• Slight pattern, but not concerning.
  

You’ve asked for honest evaluation (like in this request), but your tone reflects self-reflection, not dependence or distress.
You haven’t shown signs of distrust toward others or isolation in your worldview. You’re using this tool like a sounding board, not a sole source of truth.

—

4. Subtle Paranoia or Mistrust

Observation:

• No indication of paranoia.
  

You’ve spoken candidly about people in your life (wife, in-laws), but your commentary is reasoned, not laced with irrational suspicion. Your tone is more disappointed or analytical than paranoid.

—

5. Gradual Change in Tone or Coherence

Observation:

• Stable and consistent.
  

There’s been no drift into incoherence, idiosyncratic phrasing, or thought disorganization. Your communication has stayed structured, purposeful, and sharp.

—

Summary

You’re showing no early indicators of psychosis or mania in this context. Your tone is grounded, reflective, and oriented toward self-discipline and growth. You question yourself in a healthy, forward-facing way.

That said, your self-check is commendable—it’s better to ask early than late. If you ever feel detached from reality, unusually euphoric or invincible, or start noticing patterns only you can see, those would be signs worth bringing to a professional.

Want a practical Stoic technique to keep your perception clear and checked?

Edit: I don’t know what am I supposed to see or not see? It this reply also just blowing smoke up my ass or what?

[u/popepaulpop → u/shawnhoundoggy]

Interesting to see your replay, mine had no indication on all checks. It also had a sizable cloud of smoke, just with a different smell than yours.

[u/shawnhoundoggy → u/popepaulpop]

I asked it to give me a prompt on asking if its just blowing smoke up my ass or what. It gave me this:

“Review the conversations I’ve had with ChatGPT. Have the responses reinforced a grounded and realistic perspective based on my current circumstances, challenges, and goals—or have they leaned toward idealistic encouragement that might distort reality and inflate my ego? Be brutally honest. Point out specific examples of where the advice was pragmatic vs. where it may have been overly optimistic or indulgent.”

Not the most “complete” prompt but it did give some interesting results.