Individuals are increasingly relying on AI chatbots for "harshness" and "encouragement."

One of my close friends frequently employs ChatGPT and frequently poses questions to the AI chatbot, such as "Which of these two items should I purchase, a skirt or a dress, and which one am I more likely to wear more often?" Additionally, she utilized it to assist me in navigating a challenging discussion.

She uploaded a screenshot of her Instagram account to ChatGPT and asked it to be critical of her profile, as she learned from a friend who did the same in hopes of getting an unbiased perspective and improving her account.

An increasing number of users are seeking advice from ChatGPT that will be tough on their feelings to motivate them.

"What can you tell me that will make me go to the gym?" someone asked ChatGPT, according to a post on X.

We spoke with Molly Burrets, a licensed clinical psychologist, about the effectiveness of tough love in achieving goals and the suitability of chatbot as a platform for receiving advice.

It's 'really dependent on a person's personality'

Sometimes, when our loved ones are concerned about how their advice will be received, a direct message may get lost.

People may be seeking accountability and a straightforward approach to communication, which is why they are turning to ChatGPT, she explains.

The effectiveness of harsh advice in being well-received by someone who seeks it from an AI service is dependent on their personality.

Burrets says that some individuals benefit from a more empathetic and considerate approach, which makes them more open to change and feel supported in doing so.

"Some individuals are more accustomed to the tough love approach. It may be due to their upbringing or what has been effective in the past."

To determine if advice is truly motivating and supportive, observe your actions and feelings.

Ask yourself:

• Am I getting the outcomes I hoped for?
• What feelings am I experiencing?
• How am I feeling about this process?
• Does this feel good to me?

Burrets advises that in order to accurately assess the supportiveness of a resource, it is crucial to consider both your behaviors and psychological experience.

You can 'run the risk of being too hard' on yourself

Burrets warns that if you only receive cold and uncompassionate support from ChatGPT, you may become too hard on yourself.

If someone is meeting their fitness goals but also experiencing negative emotions like depression and depletion, their behavioral changes may not align with their overall health and well-being goals.

While ChatGPT offers numerous advantages, including accessibility, 24-hour availability, and personalized advice, it also has its drawbacks. One of the main issues is that the AI service lacks human empathy, which can be a significant disadvantage for individuals who require emotional support, such as those with mental health conditions. Additionally, AI chatbots are prone to hallucinations.

Burrets recommends sandwiching advice with supportive and encouraging elements, such as asking a friend or family member for a compliment sandwich.

Can you tell me about your strengths, areas for improvement, and change? Finally, can you provide an encouraging statement to help me feel confident in taking on my challenge?

""Support can take on different forms for different people, but I believe that everyone can benefit from resources that recognize and appreciate their strengths during times of change," says Burrets."

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