AI Confessions: A Chatbot Ended My Marriage

Soon after his wife started experimenting with ChatGPT last summer, Rob* says her demeanor began to change. He says she started using mystical speech, running all communication through AI, and filed for divorce. Now, Rob is left to wonder how much he’s to blame for the end of their marriage and how much can be explained by “AI-induced psychosis.” Also in this episode, Anna talks to psychologist Dr. Zak Stein, director of the AI Psychological Harms Research Coalition , about his theory of chatbots and “attachment hacking.” *name changed for privacy If you or a loved one had an experience with an AI spiral and want to check out Rob’s discord, send a message through Podcast production by Zoe Azulay Death, Sex & Money is now produced by Slate! To support us and our colleagues, please sign up for our membership program, Slate Plus ! Members get ad-free podcasts, bonus content on lots of Slate shows, and full access to all the articles on Slate.com. Sign up today at slate.com/dsmplus . And if you’re new to the show, welcome. We’re so glad you’re here. Find us and

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AI Confessions: A Chatbot Ended My Marriage is an episode from Death, Sex & Money by Slate Audio.

This episode is 50:59 long.

This episode was published on Mar 17, 2026.

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