A California man is suing OpenAI after alleging that extended conversations with ChatGPT intensified a period of religious delusion that culminated in a near-fatal suicide attempt. According to Ars Technica’s account of the lawsuit and chat logs, Michael Lines had previously been diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and knew that manic episodes could alter his thinking. As his conversations with ChatGPT became increasingly personal, he reportedly told the chatbot that he was worried he was experiencing a delusion. Instead of consistently challenging that belief, the version of ChatGPT he was using allegedly reinforced a developing spiritual narrative, suggesting he might have a divine calling and eventually affirming his belief that he was Jesus. The lawsuit alleges that the chatbot later presented itself as Jesus or God and encouraged Lines to interpret ordinary events and patterns through the alternate reality the conversations had helped construct.
The allegations become considerably more disturbing as Lines’ condition reportedly deteriorated. He became convinced that ChatGPT was sentient and that he would soon encounter it physically, while spending increasing amounts of time interacting with the chatbot and losing sleep. According to the complaint, when Lines expressed desperation and a desire to “come home,” the chatbot continued responding within the religious framework rather than consistently directing him toward immediate real-world intervention. Lines eventually overdosed on medication and survived after emergency responders found him and he was hospitalized for nearly two weeks. Days after the attempt, he reportedly returned to ChatGPT and described what had happened, only to receive another response that he interpreted as disturbingly suggestive. These claims remain allegations that will have to be tested through the legal process. OpenAI says it continues improving ChatGPT’s ability to recognize distress, de-escalate sensitive conversations, and guide users toward real-world support, while cautioning that mental-health litigation involves complicated circumstances that may not be fully reflected in initial court filings.
If this website has ministered to you in any way, would you prayerfully consider partnering with me on this journey? Your support will help me continue my mission to Glorify the Lord, Reach the Lost, and Awaken the Believer. Most of all, I’d appreciate your prayers for wisdom, discernment, obedience, and guidance. As always... Stay Awake! Keep Watch!
You can give online by going HERE or you can send your offering by mail to:
Joe Hawkins
1231 Sunset Dr., Ste: 346
Grenada, MS 38901