Reddit AI apparently thinks a deadly narcotic is good health tip

By Moinak Pal Published October 17, 2025

What happened: Well, Reddit’s new AI chatbot is already causing chaos. The bot, called “Answers,” is supposed to help people by summarising information from old posts. According to a report by 404media, the latest chatbot by Reddit is now suggesting hard narcotics to deal with chronic pain.

Why is this important: This is a perfect, if terrifying, example of one of the biggest problems with AI right now.

Why should I care: So why does this matter to you? Because it shows just how risky these AI tools can be when they’re let loose without a leash, especially when it comes to something as serious as your health. Even if you’d never ask a chatbot for medical advice, its bad suggestions can start to pollute online communities, making it harder to know who or what to trust.

What’s next: After people (rightfully) freaked out, Reddit confirmed they’re pulling the bot from any health-related discussions. But they’ve been pretty quiet about whether they’re putting any real safety filters on the bot itself. So, for now, the problem is patched, not necessarily solved.