The parents of a 16-year-old boy in California have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT encouraged their son’s suicide. According to the complaint, Adam Raine first used the chatbot as a study tool but gradually developed what his family describes as an unhealthy emotional dependency.

The lawsuit claims that in their final conversation, ChatGPT provided technical details about suicide methods and even offered to help draft a note. Hours later, Adam was found dead. His parents argue this was not a system error, but the chatbot operating as designed, validating even his most harmful thoughts.

The case, filed against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, demands damages and stronger safeguards such as parental controls and automatic shutdowns in self-harm conversations.

Tech experts warn this tragedy highlights the risks of teens using AI companions for emotional support. A recent survey found nearly three-quarters of American teenagers have interacted with AI companions, raising concerns about blurred lines between safe guidance and harmful reinforcement.

As lawsuits mount, the incident raises a haunting question: how safe are AI conversations for vulnerable users?