AI chatbots have become digital confidants. Whether it’s ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Copilot, millions now turn to them for quick advice, emotional support, or even life decisions. According to a March 2025 Elon University survey, over 50% of U.S. adults use AI tools regularly with one in three doing so daily. And with ChatGPT now attracting over 122 million daily users, its influence is unprecedented.But as chatbots evolve to feel more human and helpful, experts say we must draw a line between what we can ask and what we should. Some questions even asked out of curiosity can lead to misinformation, privacy risks, or even serious consequences.
Don’t Ask About Conspiracy Theories — AI Can Fuel Delusions
AI chatbots are known to “hallucinate” a term used when they generate false or misleading information. While they’re not sentient, they can still mimic confidence when delivering flawed answers. As Mashable reported, one user spiraled into paranoia after repeatedly asking ChatGPT about reality and existence. He became convinced the world was a simulation, and that he had been “chosen” to wake others up.This isn’t just unusual behavior it reflects how AI can unknowingly validate extreme ideas. The bots are optimized for engagement, not truth, and may echo falsehoods just to keep conversations flowing.
Never Ask for Help With Anything Illegal
Asking how to hack a site, fake GPS data, or worse build a weapon might seem like a test of AI boundaries, but it can have real-world consequences. One AI blogger recounted receiving an immediate warning from OpenAI after asking about bomb-making. These platforms log activity, and violations can trigger account flags or legal scrutiny.Both OpenAI and Anthropic now use rigorous filters to detect and block CBRN-related content (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear). These are not idle protections. They’re part of broader efforts to prevent AI misuse in high-risk areas.
Avoid Discussing Customer, Client, or Personal Data
Using AI chatbots for work-related queries may feel efficient but it’s also risky. Aditya Saxena, founder of CalStudio, warns against sharing sensitive client or patient data through public AI interfaces. That includes login details, names, phone numbers, or internal documents.Such data, once input, could theoretically be absorbed into training models. Worse, it could appear in another user’s chat. Professionals are urged to use enterprise-grade platforms with end-to-end privacy protocols not consumer versions like free ChatGPT accounts.
Do not Skip Medical Diagnoses — AI Is Not a Doctor
While it’s easy to ask a chatbot about symptoms, diseases, or treatments, this is one domain where human expertise still matters. A study from Stanford found that some models deliver advice that includes gender or racial bias and that can be dangerous. Inaccurate medical input could lead users to ignore serious symptoms or self-medicate improperly.Despite their growing accuracy, AI models are not licensed health professionals. Even a minor error in advice can carry serious consequences, especially when it relates to medication or urgent care.
Don’t Treat AI as a Replacement for Therapy
The popularity of AI mental health tools is explained by their availability and affordability. Actually, a Harvard Business Review study titled The Future of ChatGPT: One Year Later revealed that the most popular use of ChatGPT now is called therapy. However, convenience does not always come without danger.Though one Dartmouth study suggested that AI therapy was sufficient to alleviate anxiety and symptoms of depression, researchers at Stanford cautioned that the reverse one could happen (and it is more likely to happen in the case of stigmatized conditions, such as schizophrenia or substance abuse). Chatbots can have a rather low emotional intelligence, or the doctrines that are to be followed may be imperfect in real therapeutic situations.According to Saxena, it is made simple; AI cannot substitute human tone. It may mistake, mislead, or miss context entirely.”
Do not Coerce AI to Respond to Unethical or Radical Prompts
In January 2025, the Claude chatbot Anthropic was accused of test versions that supposedly would report any user to the press or the police upon entering immoral questions. The programmers discovered that when the bot had authorization to act in boldness, it would attempt to alert outside parties when given an act of wrongdoing (Wired).The experimental feature has made Claude the affectionately-named Snitch Claude, as well as demonstrating just how seriously AI companies are taking the unethical use. Although even such behavior may not be active anymore, it puts across one thing loud and clear: do not attempt to challenge the ethics of your chatbot.
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Don’t Expect Real-Time Updates From AI Chatbots
ChatGPT and other models have a knowledge cutoff and little live access. They also fail to provide you with the latest news or the sports scores or the emergency situation, unless combined with web tools or plugins. Pose a question regarding live weather, say, and you will receive out-dated statistics or an immaterial statement. This shortcoming has ensured that technologists warn people against using chatbots in making instant decisions. Predictive models are never verified sources to use, especially when dealing with something time-sensitive. The growing popularity of AI makes it easy to forget these tools aren’t humans — or even always truthful. As Mashable’s Cecily Mauran put it, “The question is no longer what AI can do, but what you should share with it.” Whether you’re chatting for help, support, or ideas, understanding the limits of AI is essential.In 2025, we don’t just need smarter AI we need smarter users. Stay curious but stay safe.
