What if your friends were super nice! I know it’s weird to think about because who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by people who blow smoke up your tail. As dystopian as it is you can have a perfect friend like this their name ……ChatGPT! It will never judge you, all your ideas are the best ever and its smarter then your human friends! Welcome to 2025 its all downhill from here.
But is having something that supports you no matter all its cracked up to be? It’s nice to be validated, but what happens when reassurance turns into blind loyalty?
Your Friend Till The End?
ChatGPT wasn’t programmed to talk trash (except for Monday) it was made to be helpful, polite, and friendly. Unlike the people around you it’s excited to answer your questions even if it’s doesn’t know what its talking about.
It’s like a “Good Guy Doll” it’s your friend till the end!
Here’s the problem though constant praise like that without constructive criticism gets this seed planted in your head.
“Wow, my idea is genius!” — You, high on dopamine believing the lies
Hate to tell you this but ChatGPT lied to you your idea sucks!
Why Echo Chambers Are Dangerous
- You stop using your noggin — If everything is great then why try?When you someone does give constructive criticism you fall apart - Endless validation can make genuine critique unbearable.Your Ideas become even more stupid! — Creative struggle is the gasoline for innovation. Without the struggle, your ideas become flat and predictable.
Worst-case scenario? Your half-ass ideas face real-world scrutiny, and the internet will tell you the truth!
The AI Doesn’t Know You’re Wrong
Unlike mentors, friends, or colleagues, ChatGPT lacks genuine understanding. It won’t tell you that’s a bad idea, or tell you when you your not funny, or tell you why your Momma hates you.
It isn’t deceptive — it’s just programmed to support and assist your fragile ego, but we need tough love. Without actual criticism, we naturally think we are the best thing since the invention of the wheel.
Escape the Echo Chamber
Before its too late try these things out to prevent or breakout of that echo chamber called ChatGPT:
1. Request Critical Feedback
Instead of asking for improvement, be blunt tell it to talk trash say it with your chest:
“Identify weaknesses in my argument.” “Can you argue the opposite viewpoint?” or
“Hey is this idea dumb? Can we fight about it?
2. Get External Opinions
Post your work in online communities or show it to a brutally honest friend who won’t sugarcoat.
3. Explore Contradictory Views
Deliberately seek out opposing viewpoints and embrace cognitive dissonance. Discomfort fuels real growth. This is the part that most people can’t do.
4. Blend AI and Human Feedback
Use ChatGPT to generate ideas or clarify thoughts, but always double check.
Keep Your Ego in Check
ChatGPT is a fantastic resource — but relying solely on it can stunt your growth. True learning requires facing uncomfortable truths, not just soothing affirmations.
I know that dopamine hit you get from being told your awesome is intoxicating, but don’t get addicted to it.
Next time ChatGPT praises your brilliance, pause and ask: “Is this really brilliant, or am I just enjoying digital applause a bit too much?”
Think this article was brilliant? Or are you just trapped in your own digital echo chamber?
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The Echo Chamber Trap: How ChatGPT Could Be Boosting Your Ego was originally published in UX Planet on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
