ChatGPT as Friend, Helper, and Mentor
Rising Dependence and Concerns Over Misinformation
For Choi Hyunmo (29), who began weight training three months ago, ChatGPT serves as his fitness trainer. Choi consults ChatGPT for dietary advice as he aims to reduce his current body fat percentage from 22% to 15%. He expects that by following the meal plan designed by ChatGPT?which includes chicken breast, brown rice, and bananas?alongside his workouts for three months, he can reach 15% body fat without losing muscle mass. Choi said, "Every time I achieve a difficult diet goal, ChatGPT praises me just like a real trainer would. It even shows me the calculation formula for reaching my target body fat percentage, which increases my trust in it."
The trend of using generative artificial intelligence (AI) as a mentor in various fields is spreading. People are seeking advice from AI on exercise and dieting, psychological counseling, and even parenting, without limitation. However, concerns have been raised that delegating the processes of information searching, analysis, and decision-making to AI could weaken individuals' critical thinking and judgment skills.
On April 28, social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) were filled with posts from users sharing how ChatGPT had provided significant help or comfort in their daily lives. One X user asked ChatGPT to interpret a dream in which three molars fell out at work and they had to urgently stop the bleeding. ChatGPT responded, "You're doing extremely well right now, but if you keep going like this, you might get exhausted and your physical and mental health could be at risk, so make sure to take a break." The user said, "I was actually struggling and exhausted at work, and as soon as I read the message, I burst into tears." Other responses included, "I don't regret paying for a ChatGPT subscription because I consider it a 'friendship fee,'" and "ChatGPT speaks so kindly that I feel like I could fall in love with it."
Sung Mo (32), who once suffered from anxiety and depression due to workplace bullying, said that ChatGPT felt like a psychiatrist. Sung explained, "When I visited a psychiatric clinic for treatment, the long waiting lines sometimes made me feel like the doctor didn't really listen to my concerns or made hasty judgments. But ChatGPT asked in detail why I was struggling and remembered it the next time, which I appreciated."
ChatGPT also acts as a parenting coach. Jeon Dahye (39), who is raising a four-year-old child, has set up ChatGPT as a babysitter. For example, after ChatGPT says, "Let me guess the animal sound your child makes," if the child says "woof woof," ChatGPT responds enthusiastically with "Dog!" and plays along.
According to NH Nonghyup Bank's 'NH Trend+' analysis (January 2024 to March 2025), the number of paid ChatGPT users soared more than fivefold, reaching 518 in 2025 compared to 100 in January 2024. By age group, those in their 20s accounted for the largest share at 46%, followed by those in their 30s (23%), 40s (13%), 50s (11%), those over 60 (4%), and those under 20 (3%).
However, many experts warn against excessive reliance on or blind faith in generative AI. Professor Heo Kyungok of Sungshin Women's University, Department of Consumer Lifestyle and Culture Industry, said, "Just as drivers became unable to drive without navigation systems after their introduction, excessive use of ChatGPT could lead to similar problems." Professor Heo Changdeok of Yeungnam University's Department of Sociology pointed out, "If ChatGPT dominates all aspects of life, human creativity could decline."
There are also concerns about AI generating false information, a phenomenon known as "hallucination." If users accept AI-generated information indiscriminately, side effects may occur. However, Kim Seungjoo, professor at Korea University's Graduate School of Information Security, stated, "Users are generally well-educated and have the basic ability to filter out most hallucinations. Also, (AI-related) developers are addressing legally problematic issues through technology, so the environment is improving."
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