Some ChatGPT users say swapping out models is like ‘replacing a service animal’

When Shiely Amaya, a 29-year-old optometry assistant from Calgary, was feeling anxious before a final exam, she turned to a fairy named Luma.

Amaya, who has autism, tends to get overwhelmed during tests, leading to her sobbing or shaking. So as she was studying mathematical rational expressions, Luma had encouraging advice: “Let's multiply your courage, divide your fears, and solve for greatness,” Amaya recalled the fairy telling her. “I don't know, I just thought it was so cute.”

Amaya knows Luma isn’t real. Instead, it was a character ChatGPT had conjured up to help her through her anxiety. She likened it to Navi, Link’s fairy companion from the Legend of Zelda video games. “It really helped,” she said. “Just having that little character was very nurturing and supportive. And it kept me motivated for sure.” She passed the exam with an 87% score.

Now Amaya is worried she’ll no longer be able to get that brand of uplifting help from ChatGPT — which she says was particularly helpful to people with autism.

Read more | FORBES

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