Anxiety, ChatGPT, AI, Reddit ... and Dr. Google (Episode 108)

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"Hey ChatGPT. Please tell me how I'll know if I'm accepting my anxiety or avoiding it."
"Hey ChatGPT. When I get anxious my vision gets weird. Can anxiety do that? "
"Hello Reddit. Does anyone else feel like ...."

The guys are back after a short break to talk about the use of ChatGPT, AI, Reddit, Google, and the Internet in general in the context of anxiety and mental health issues.

There's no doubt that large language models - software that aggregates extremely large amounts of information found on the Internet and in libraries and huge databases - are here to stay. But while AI bots and engines like ChatGPT are sometimes quite impressive and can even present themselves as human, we do have to be mindful of how we're using these new tools as we work toward overcoming chronic and disordered forms of anxiety.
This episode includes
• A look at how compulsive reassurance seeking, analysis, problem solving, and resources gathering can turn AI or online tools into counterproductive habits
• How the Internet can't ever really know your specific situation or the real details of who you are, and therefore can't answer your recovery questions with any degree of certainty or even safety in many cases.
• How AI engines are being used to create mental health and wellness content targeting engagement, growth, and influence rather than accuracy or usefulness.
• General guidelines we might lean on when trying to use tools like ChatGPT or Reddit to help us in recovery.

If you want to use AI or online tools to help you get better, this episode is probably worth a listen.

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Drew's Substack Is Here
theanxioustruth.substack.com

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Struggling with worry and rumination that you feel you can't stop or control? Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Worry and Rumination Explained (learn.theanxioustruth.com/worry-and-rumination…)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a two hour pre-recorded workshop produced by Josh and Drew.
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Disclaimer: Disordered is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to Disordered does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the hosts or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.