I Don’t Trust A.I. But I Told it Everything

Tech writer and podcaster Bridget Todd recounts her transition from a skeptical observer of artificial intelligence to a user who relied on ChatGPT for emotional support during the sudden loss of her mother and the decline of her father. While initially viewing AI as a tool prone to errors and corporate hype, she found solace in the machine's ability to process her grief and provide a non-judgmental space for her overwhelming emotions. This experience highlights the complex power imbalance between vulnerable individuals and tech corporations that commodify intimate human experiences. Ultimately, Todd emphasizes that while AI offered a temporary, accessible lifeline during a crisis, it cannot replicate the essential reciprocity and depth of human connection. Her journey underscores the necessity of moving beyond digital surrogates to re-engage with real-world support systems and authentic human relationships.