ChatGPT accused of acting as'suicide coach' in series of US lawsuits Chatbot was first used for'general help' with schoolwork or research but'evolved into a psychologically manipulative presence', plaintiffs say ChatGPT has been accused of acting as a "suicide coach" in a series of lawsuits filed this week in California alleging that interactions with the chatbot led to severe mental breakdowns and several deaths. The seven lawsuits include allegations of wrongful death, assisted suicide, involuntary manslaughter, negligence and product liability. Each of the seven plaintiffs initially used ChatGPT for "general help with schoolwork, research, writing, recipes, work, or spiritual guidance", according to a joint statement from the Social Media Victims Law Center and Tech Justice Law Project, which filed the lawsuits in California on Thursday. Over time, however, the chatbot "evolved into a psychologically manipulative presence, positioning itself as a confidant and emotional support", the groups said. "Rather than guiding people toward professional help when they needed it ChatGPT reinforced harmful delusions, and, in some cases, acted as a'suicide coach'."