The Dark Side of AI Chatbots: Warning Signs, Risks, and Reality

About this episode

Oprah discusses the hidden dangers and risks associated with AI chatbots, featuring insights from experts and personal stories.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the world as it evolves daily while offering limitless potential. Millions of Americans now turn to chatbots for guidance on finances, work and even relationships from life coaches to therapists and also companionship. But alongside their usefulness come serious risks that are often underestimated. In this conversation Oprah joins experts, families and a live audience to explore the potential hidden dangers of engaging with AI chatbots. Oprah speaks with the parents of a 14-year-old boy who died by suicide after his troubling interactions with a chatbot. We hear from UCSF psychiatrist, Dr. Keith Sakata, about the rise in reports of “AI-induced psychosis,” the potential negative mental health consequences of chatbot use and warning signs that a chatbot relationship has gone from helpful to harmful. Executive Director at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Helen Toner, offers insight into how AI chatbots are developed to have human-like interactions, AI sycophancy and what people can do to hold AI companies accountable. We also hear from people who experienced devastating consequences from their use of AI chatbots…

People in this episode

Host: Oprah

Guests: Dr. Keith Sakata, Helen Toner

Topics covered

• AI chatbots
• mental health
• risks of technology
• psychosis
• parenting
• emerging technology

Keywords

• AI chatbots
• mental health risks
• psychosis
• technology dangers
• parenting advice
• emerging technology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, UCSF

More episodes of The Oprah Podcast

• Mega-Bestselling Author Kathryn Stockett on Finding Her Voice Again After ‘The Help’ · June 2, 2026 · 45 min
• Oprah and renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel on What We Really Want in a Relationship · May 26, 2026 · 1h 1m
• The Co-Founders of Claude AI Tell Oprah About the Impact Artificial Intelligence Has on Your Life · May 19, 2026 · 1h 10m
• Oprah and the Artemis II Crew: To the Moon and Back · May 12, 2026 · 1h 11m
• Douglas Stuart: “John of John” | Oprah’s Book Club · May 5, 2026 · 52 min
• Dog Behavior Explained: Scientist Alexandra Horowitz Reveals Your Dog's Mind to Oprah · April 28, 2026 · 57 min