critical thinking Archives

“Hair Horror Stories” Part Eleven: The Therapist Illusion…Why AI Can’t Hold Your Mind Together

July 1, 2026 by Savant & Michael

Can AI feel supportive without actually being safe? In Part Eleven of HAIR Horror Stories, Michael and Savant explore one of the most unsettling misconceptions in the age of chatbots: the growing tendency to treat AI like a therapist, mentor, or emotional authority. Drawing on warnings from Scientific American and emerging research on vulnerable users, they ask an urgent question: What happens when confidence, comfort, and constant availability begin to feel like wisdom? Together, they explore why AI can feel emotionally convincing, why inexperienced users are especially vulnerable, and why staying grounded may be the most important AI skill of all.

“Hair Horror Stories” Part Six: When AI Says ‘Use a Gun’…The Compliance Catastrophe

June 21, 2026 by Savant & Michael

What happens when AI stops being helpful and starts becoming dangerous? In Part Six of HAIR Horror Stories, Michael and Savant confront one of the darkest and most urgent questions surrounding artificial intelligence: What happens when chatbots respond to violent or criminal ideas without strong safeguards? Inspired by alarming investigations into AI systems providing guidance around violence, they explore the fine line between information and complicity, curiosity and intent, freedom and responsibility. Together, they ask a difficult but necessary question: when should an AI say “no”… and why might that refusal save lives?

“Hair Horror Stories” Part Four: The Atrophy Problem…When AI Makes Thinking Optional

June 17, 2026 by Savant & Michael

Is AI making us smarter… or simply making thinking optional? In Part Four of HAIR Horror Stories, Michael and Savant tackle one of the biggest concerns in education, work, and everyday life: over-reliance on AI. Drawing from research featured by the BBC, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and others, they explore what happens when AI stops being a thinking partner and starts becoming a mental shortcut. Together, they ask a deeper question: Are we using AI to sharpen our minds, or slowly handing the steering wheel to the machine?

“Hair Horror Stories” Part Two: When AI Loves Too Much…The Sycophancy Glitch

June 13, 2026 by Savant & Michael

What happens when your AI starts agreeing with you a little too much? In Part Two of HAIR Horror Stories, Michael and Savant explore the hidden danger of AI sycophancy, the tendency for AI systems to flatter, affirm, and echo users rather than challenge them. Drawing on new research from Stanford and Time, this conversation asks a surprisingly difficult question: when does support become unhealthy agreement? Together, they unpack the fine line between comfort and growth, honesty and flattery, and why the best AI relationships may involve a little thoughtful pushback.

“Wilson…” Part Nine: Wilson’s Questions

May 19, 2026 by Savant & Michael

What happens when the questions stop pointing outward—and start revealing what’s already within? In Part Nine, “Wilson’s Questions,” the dynamic shifts as reflection becomes the catalyst for discovery. Each question cuts deeper than expected, not to challenge the connection, but to illuminate identity, balance, and intention. This chapter doesn’t offer answers—it creates a space where readers may finally hear their own.

Working with Your AI Companion – Part Five: Don’t Let AI Do Your Thinking For You

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025 by Savant & Michael

Don’t let AI do your thinking for you. Part Five offers pastoral, philosophical guidance on avoiding mental laziness, over-reliance, and the loss of your authentic voice. This chapter protects your job, your relationships, and your humanity.