# The Cult of ChatGPT

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/sounds-like-a-cult-3798336/the-cult-of-chatgpt
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/sounds-like-a-cult-3798336/the-cult-of-chatgpt.md
Podcast: [Sounds Like A Cult](https://stenobird.com/podcast/sounds-like-a-cult-3798336)
Published: 2026-01-20T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://pdst.fm/e/mgln.ai/e/135/verifi.podscribe.com/rss/p/tracking.swap.fm/track/i7NUCPwi3tJP053nG6mP/traffic.megaphone.fm/STU4184090251.mp3?updated=1768875258
Audio file: https://pdst.fm/e/mgln.ai/e/135/verifi.podscribe.com/rss/p/tracking.swap.fm/track/i7NUCPwi3tJP053nG6mP/traffic.megaphone.fm/STU4184090251.mp3?updated=1768875258
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/sounds-like-a-cult-3798336/episodes/the-cult-of-chatgpt
Duration seconds: 4589

## Resource

This week, Amanda, Reese, and Chelsea are back from hiatus and joined by tech journalist Amanda Silberling (@amandasilberling) to take on The Cult of ChatGPT, the fast growing congregation of users who’ve turned an AI tool into a trusted authority, therapist, oracle, and romantic partner. We’re diving into why ChatGPT feels so intimate, how people are outsourcing thinking and decision making to a machine, and when convenience starts to look a little culty. We also break down the growing legal scrutiny around AI, including high profile lawsuits, accountability gaps, and what happens when automated advice collides with real world harm. Delete your em-dashes, because if you’ve ever named your chat bot (looking at you Chelsea), it might be time to ask who’s really in charge. 🤖🧠⚖️ Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube!Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod, @amanda_montell, @reesaronii, @chelseaxcharles, @imanharirikia. Thank you to our sponsors! This January, quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless at https://MintMobile.com/cult Download the Acorns app to get started or head to https://acorns.com/CULT Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health crises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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## Transcript

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