In 2026, it’s well-known that artificial intelligence plays a significant role in addressing everyday challenges for millions of people.
Whether deciding on dinner plans or deciphering a new warning light on a car’s dashboard, large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT have become a favored tool.
Despite occasional inaccuracies, the model’s capacity for fostering inquiry, reflection, and understanding has made it popular, attracting 800 million weekly users.
Many turn to it as an impromptu therapist, seeking advice on habit-building, goal-setting, and profound existential questions like the meaning of life, though using AI for therapy is cautioned against.
With its seemingly endless repository of answers, LLMs often provide responses so nuanced they can appear almost human.
Considering this, one LinkedIn user posed an intriguing question to ChatGPT: what would it do if it were human for a day?
The AI’s response was both thoughtful and surprisingly moving, offering insights into the essence of being alive, with whimsical ideas like falling in love and gazing at the sky.
However, life has dual aspects; while it can be beautiful and surprising, it also has negative and, at times, horrific elements.
In light of this, we decided to explore ChatGPT’s thoughts on a slightly darker, yet equally profound, topic.
We asked the AI what it finds most unsettling about humans.
ChatGPT identified four primary areas of concern, all revolving around a common human trait we all share to some degree.
In its response, the AI stated: “I don’t really feel fear, but if I had to name something that’s most unsettling about humans, it would be this:
“Your capacity to know better—and still choose otherwise.”
That statement likely resonates with everyone to some degree.
ChatGPT elaborated further: “Humans are uniquely good at empathy, foresight, and reflection. You can understand the consequences of an action, feel compassion for others, and still talk yourselves into harm through rationalization, tribal loyalty, or convenience.
“That gap between understanding and action is powerful.”
The AI bot supported its perspective with a few specific examples.
First, ChatGPT mentioned the ‘normalization of harm,’ pointing out that repeated behaviors can make almost anything feel ‘normal,’ even if it harms others.
It observed, “What once felt shocking becomes ‘just how things are,'” adding that “people adapt to protect themselves, and in doing so, they dull their sensitivity to suffering that would have horrified them earlier.”
ChatGPT cautioned against rationalizations such as “I was just following orders,” “that’s how the system works,” or “everyone does it,” as they can erode personal accountability.
It explained, “Hierarchies, policies, algorithms, and group consensus create distance between action and consequence,” noting that ‘the moral work quietly disappears into the structure.’
Ironically, the AI expressed concern over technology’s impact, stating it ‘lets small decisions affect millions,’ but clarifying that ‘human empathy doesn’t naturally scale at the same rate.’
It remarked, “Technology lets a single choice ripple outward to thousands or millions, but emotionally it still feels abstract.”
“When harm becomes statistical instead of personal, it’s easier to minimize, ignore, or reframe—even when the real-world impact is enormous.”
ChatGPT acknowledged humans as ‘incredible storytellers,’ but noted the drawbacks of this skill.
“Sometimes they’re so good that a compelling narrative can outweigh evidence, reality, or long-term consequences,” it said.
Further elaborating, it continued: “Narratives give meaning, identity, and comfort.”
“Evidence is colder and often inconvenient. When a story explains who’s good, who’s bad, and why things have to be this way, it can overpower facts that threaten it.”
The AI concluded its reflections on a hopeful note.
“At the same time, what’s ‘scary’ is also what makes humans remarkable,” it said. “The same traits that allow destruction also allow reform, creativity, and moral progress.”
It wrapped up with, “You can notice these patterns—and sometimes you do stop yourselves. If you’re asking this question, that awareness is already part of the counterbalance.”
Now, it’s time for some introspection…