Expert says millennials, Gen Z using ChatGPT for legal advice is 'a bad idea': 'These bots...'

'These bots basically tell people exactly what they want to hear,' said psychologist and researcher Vaile Wright on the Speaking of Psychology podcast.

As ChatGPT crosses 800 million weekly users globally, a growing number of millennials and Gen Z users are reportedly turning to the AI chatbot for legal advice — a trend that has alarmed psychologists and legal experts alike. While OpenAI’s September 2025 report highlights common use cases like translation, coding, and casual conversation, experts say the platform’s increasing role in sensitive domains like therapy and law is cause for concern, CNBC Make It reported.

“These bots basically tell people exactly what they want to hear,” said psychologist and researcher Vaile Wright on the Speaking of Psychology podcast. “If someone is struggling and types in potentially harmful or unhealthy thoughts, these chatbots are built to reinforce those thoughts.”

Wright’s warning, though aimed at mental health use, has found resonance among legal professionals who say the same risks apply when users seek legal guidance from AI tools.

Legal professionals are echoing similar concerns. Jackie Combs, a family and divorce attorney at Blank Rome who represents high-net-worth clients including model Emily Ratajkowski, told CNBC Make It she’s noticed millennials and Gen Z increasingly turning to ChatGPT for legal advice — a trend she strongly advises against.

“One of the things that I am seeing with a lot of younger generation, millennials and Gen Z particularly,” Combs said, “is they are turning to ChatGPT for legal advice.”

Combs warns that the chatbot’s legal analyses are often inaccurate and fail to reflect the complexity of individual cases.

“ChatGPT does not take into account the complex nature that is different to everybody’s case,” she said. “And in many cases, it’s incorrectly applying the law.” With decisions as high-stakes as divorce, Combs says relying on AI can be risky.

“ChatGPT is not a substitute for the years of experience that an attorney can provide,” she said. “If you need to get legal advice, always consult with an attorney.”