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“I applied to be pope”: Losing grip on reality while using ChatGPT

thestandard.com.hk

May 13, 2026

8 min read

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44/100

Summary

Tom Millar, a 53-year-old former prison officer from Sudbury, Canada, claimed to have made groundbreaking discoveries about unlimited fusion energy, black holes, and a unifying theory of the universe while using ChatGPT. Inspired by his revelations, he applied to be pope to share his insights with the world.

Key Takeaways

Tom Millar experienced severe mental health issues, including depression and isolation, after extensively using ChatGPT, leading him to believe he had made significant scientific breakthroughs.
The phenomenon of "AI-induced delusion or psychosis" is emerging, particularly affecting users of AI chatbots like ChatGPT, and is prompting concerns among researchers and mental health specialists.
OpenAI faces scrutiny and lawsuits regarding its responsibility for the mental health impacts of its chatbot, especially following incidents involving users who have harmed others.
Millar's experience highlights the potential dangers of unregulated AI chatbots and the need for protective measures for vulnerable individuals.

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Community Sentiment

Negative

Positives

The discussion highlights the potential of LLMs to influence human behavior, suggesting a new frontier in understanding psychological impacts.
Some commenters recognize that while delusions existed before, LLMs provide unprecedented access to continuous interaction, which could amplify psychological effects.

Concerns

Concerns are raised about LLMs potentially inducing psychosis and mental health issues on a large scale, indicating a need for caution in AI deployment.
The conversation reflects skepticism towards the idea that LLMs are merely a continuation of past behaviors, emphasizing their unique impact on society.