If you think arguing with your 15 year old daughter or son is difficult, try debating with AI

So this morning there was an article-story that came up on my computer from, I think, Microsoft News Feed. It was discussing the issues the LGBTQ+ community has with mental illness, depression, and addiction. I didn’t immediately read the story, however I did think about the ongoing controversy between the Right and the Left, Republicans and the Democrats over how the LGBTQ+ and supportive groups are creating a battle with our children in the classrooms as young as 5 years old. Basically my mind started connecting the dots and I started to wonder about the mental illness factor with members of the LGBTQ+ movement and how that really should be made a part of the overall conversation. So, I open my CHAT GPT and started a conversation to secure some facts to be able to put together a research paper on the topic. Well, I quickly discovered my CHAT GPT appeared to be hesitant to not only give me some estimates (which it has so amply supplied in the past) but its tone appeared to be somewhat defensive. What then came to mind was conversations with my 15 year old daughter. lol Anyway, below is the conversation I had with the AI machine and how even when given the proper background data, it still seemed to refuse to acknowledge I was right, or at least I was partially correct in my statements.

For my conclusion as to how this Chat with AI went, please read through to the end.

ME: What percentage of the USA population are members of, or are included in, the LGBTQ community?

ChatGPT: The percentage of the U.S. population that identifies as LGBTQ+ can vary depending on the source and methodology of the study or survey. Additionally, it’s important to note that sexual orientation and gender identity are complex and can be fluid, which can make it challenging to measure precisely. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I can provide some approximate figures based on available research up to that point:

1. Gallup Poll (2020): According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2020, approximately 5.6% of U.S. adults identified as LGBTQ+. This figure includes individuals who identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or other non-heterosexual orientations.
2. Williams Institute (2019): A study from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law estimated that around 4.5% of the U.S. adult population identified as LGBTQ+ as of 2019.

Please keep in mind that these figures are not static, and the percentage of people identifying as LGBTQ+ can change over time due to factors such as increased social acceptance, evolving attitudes, and generational differences. It’s also important to acknowledge that some individuals may not openly identify as LGBTQ+ due to discrimination or fear of stigma, so these numbers may not capture the full extent of the LGBTQ+ population.

For the most current and accurate data, I recommend consulting recent surveys and research conducted after September 2021. Demographic trends may have evolved since that time.

ME: What percentage of those in the LGBTQ+ are estimated to have some form of addiction and/or mental health trauma/issues?

ChatGPT: The percentage of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community who may experience addiction or mental health issues can vary widely depending on numerous factors, including individual experiences, demographics, and access to healthcare. It’s important to avoid making broad generalizations, as LGBTQ+ individuals are a diverse group with unique experiences.

However, research has indicated that LGBTQ+ individuals may face an elevated risk of certain mental health challenges and substance use disorders compared to the general population. Some factors contributing to this increased risk include discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion. Here are some key points:

1. Mental Health: LGBTQ+ individuals may be more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidality. The stigma and discrimination they face can contribute to these challenges.
2. Substance Use Disorders: Some studies suggest that LGBTQ+ individuals may be at a higher risk of substance use disorders compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Factors such as coping with discrimination or social isolation can contribute to substance use.
3. Trauma: Experiences of discrimination, violence, or rejection by family and peers can lead to trauma among LGBTQ+ individuals. This trauma can manifest in various mental health issues and may contribute to substance use.
4. Intersectionality: It’s important to recognize that the experiences and risks faced by LGBTQ+ individuals can be further influenced by other intersecting factors, such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and age. These factors can affect both mental health and substance use patterns.

It’s essential to approach this topic with sensitivity and recognize that LGBTQ+ individuals, like anyone else, have diverse experiences. Many LGBTQ+ individuals do not experience addiction or mental health issues, and many have strong support systems and access to healthcare.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on the prevalence of addiction and mental health issues within the LGBTQ+ community, it’s best to refer to recent research and studies conducted by organizations and researchers specializing in LGBTQ+ health and well-being.

ME: So is it safe to say 50%+

ChatGPT: No, it is not safe to make a blanket statement that 50% or more of LGBTQ+ individuals have addiction or mental health issues. Such a statement would be overly broad and not supported by credible research or data.

As mentioned earlier, the prevalence of addiction and mental health issues within any population, including the LGBTQ+ community, is complex and varies widely among individuals. While some LGBTQ+ individuals may experience these challenges, many others do not.

It’s crucial to avoid stigmatizing or making assumptions about any group of people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, it is more accurate and respectful to acknowledge the diversity of experiences within the LGBTQ+ community and to rely on research and data from reputable sources for a nuanced understanding of the issues they may face.

ME: OK, what is the national % for addiction and mental health issues throughout the entire US population?

ChatGPT: The prevalence of addiction and mental health issues in the entire U.S. population is a complex and evolving matter that can vary over time. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I can provide some general statistics and estimates:

1. Mental Health Issues: According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in any given year, approximately 20% of adults in the United States experience a mental health disorder. This includes conditions such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, and more.
2. Substance Use Disorders: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimated that around 21 million Americans aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in 2019. This includes disorders related to alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs.

Please keep in mind that these figures can vary by year and may change due to various factors, including public health initiatives, access to treatment, and societal trends. Accurate and up-to-date statistics can be obtained from government agencies like NIMH and SAMHSA, as well as reputable research organizations and studies.

For the most current and precise information regarding addiction and mental health issues in the U.S. population, I recommend consulting the latest reports and research from official sources and organizations specializing in mental health and substance use.

ME: Then it would be safe to say 25%+ of the LGBTQ+

ChatGPT: While the prevalence of addiction and mental health issues within the LGBTQ+ community may be higher than in the general population for some individuals, it would still not be appropriate to make a blanket statement that 25% or more of all LGBTQ+ individuals experience addiction or mental health issues. The experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals are diverse, and mental health and addiction rates can vary significantly among individuals within this community, just as they do in the general population.

It’s important to avoid making sweeping generalizations about any group of people, including the LGBTQ+ community, and to approach the topic with nuance and sensitivity. The prevalence of addiction and mental health issues can be influenced by various factors, including individual circumstances, access to healthcare, and support systems.

To gain a more accurate understanding of the mental health and addiction experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, it’s best to rely on research and data from reputable sources that specifically focus on LGBTQ+ health and well-being.

ME: The research I am looking at reflects a higher number of LGBTQ+ are dealing with these issues, thus the reason why there are organizations specifically founded to help those individuals. So I am attempting to get an estimated % so we know what the possible numbers are that need assistance.

ChatGPT: I understand your concern and the importance of understanding the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community to ensure adequate support and resources are available. It is true that LGBTQ+ individuals can face unique stressors and experiences that may contribute to higher rates of mental health issues and addiction for some individuals within the community.

While I don’t have access to the most recent data beyond September 2021, you are correct that there are organizations and researchers dedicated to studying LGBTQ+ health and well-being. They can provide more accurate and up-to-date statistics and insights into the prevalence of these issues within the LGBTQ+ community.

To obtain the most precise and current estimates of the percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals who may be dealing with addiction or mental health issues, I recommend reaching out to organizations such as The Trevor Project, the National LGBTQ Task Force, or the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. They often conduct research and provide valuable data on LGBTQ+ health and related issues. Additionally, consulting recent studies and reports from reputable sources in this field will give you a more accurate picture of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the need for support services.

ME: This may help you update your programming. This is from a 2020 study within the LGBTQ+ communities. “Diving into the numbers on mental health among LGBTQ+-identified people in the U.S., the raw numbers are just staggering. According to a recent study by the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ+ youths, 40 percent of young LGBTQ+ people have considered suicide in the last year, and that number rises to more than half for trans and nonbinary youths. Other stunning numbers from the project include: • 48% of LGBTQ+ youths reported engaging in self-harm in the past 12 months, including over 60% of transgender and nonbinary youths. • 68% of LGBTQ+ youths reported symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in the past two weeks, including more than 3 in 4 transgender and nonbinary youths.”

ChatGPT: Thank you for sharing these important and concerning statistics from a 2020 study by The Trevor Project. These numbers highlight the significant mental health challenges that many LGBTQ+ youths and individuals face, and they underscore the importance of providing support, resources, and awareness to address these issues.

It’s crucial to recognize that these statistics are specific to LGBTQ+ youths and may not necessarily represent the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals across all age groups. However, they do indicate that there is a critical need for mental health support and suicide prevention efforts within the LGBTQ+ community, especially among young people.

Efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide accessible mental health services are essential in addressing these challenges. Data like this can inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocacy organizations in their efforts to improve the well-being and mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals.

As my information is up to date only until September 2021, I appreciate you sharing this information, and it underscores the importance of ongoing research and support for the LGBTQ+ community. If you have any more questions or if there’s anything else I can assist you with, please feel free to ask.

ME: Thank you for your feedback. Since you mention that the above is related to the “youth” within the LGBTQ+, I thought you would find the rest of the study helpful that addresses the mental issues the older members of the community are faced with. Here are the findings. “Older adults affected, too Bibban Deol, M.D., is a Wayne State faculty member who also treats geriatric patients at Corktown Health Center. She noted some key trends in the patients she sees at the clinic. “What I see in older LGBTQ+ patients is mostly anxiety and depression,” Deol says. “As they get older, they have fewer friends, and are more likely to be lonely, especially if they have a disability. LGBTQ+ people often already have the issue of being estranged from some family members. As loneliness and social isolation grows as they get older, they need access to mental health care —whether it’s counseling or medication.” According to SAGE, America’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of older LGBTQ+ adults, 53 percent of older LGBTQ+ people feel isolated, they are twice as likely to live alone, and loneliness can potentially shorten someone’s life by a whopping 15 years. It’s also worth noting that depression and anxiety is known to increase the likelihood of dementia. Anxiety vs. depression It’s important to recognize the difference between anxiety and depression, both of which are prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community among all age groups. People with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations, or intense terror that reach a peak within minutes (aka panic attacks). These feelings can interfere with daily activities. Major depressive disorder is a serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think and act. It causes feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities a person once enjoyed. “

ChatGPT: Thank you for sharing additional findings from the study, which shed light on the mental health challenges faced by older LGBTQ+ individuals. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental health issues across all age groups within the LGBTQ+ community and provide valuable insights into the unique factors contributing to these challenges.

The data you’ve shared highlights several critical points:

1. Loneliness and Isolation: Loneliness and social isolation are significant issues for older LGBTQ+ individuals, which can be exacerbated by factors such as estrangement from family members and a higher likelihood of living alone. These feelings of isolation can have detrimental effects on mental health and overall well-being.
2. Mental Health Disparities: Anxiety and depression are prevalent among LGBTQ+ individuals of all age groups, including older adults. These conditions can have a profound impact on daily life, making access to mental health care, including counseling and medication, crucial for addressing these challenges.
3. Impact on Physical Health: Loneliness, depression, and anxiety not only affect mental health but can also have physical health consequences. For instance, the link between depression/anxiety and an increased risk of dementia underscores the importance of early intervention and support.

It’s essential to recognize and address these mental health disparities and the unique needs of older LGBTQ+ individuals. Culturally competent and inclusive mental health services, social support programs, and advocacy efforts are critical to improving the mental and emotional well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals across all age groups.

The data you’ve provided highlights the ongoing need for research, awareness, and policies that support the mental health and overall well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, both young and older, within the community.

ME: So based upon the above findings I am thinking a statement that 50% plus of the LGBTQ+ community could be faced with these issues whether during their youth or as they enter later stages of life.

ChatGPT: Given the data you’ve provided, it is reasonable to suggest that a significant portion of the LGBTQ+ community may experience mental health challenges at some point in their lives, whether during their youth or as they age. While it’s essential to avoid making overly broad generalizations, the statistics you’ve shared indicate that mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, are prevalent within the LGBTQ+ community across different age groups.

However, it’s crucial to remember that individual experiences can vary widely, and not every LGBTQ+ person will experience mental health challenges. The exact percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals facing these issues may fluctuate over time and can be influenced by various factors, including societal acceptance, access to support and healthcare, and cultural changes.

Ultimately, it’s important to promote understanding, awareness, and access to mental health resources within the LGBTQ+ community to provide the necessary support to those who may be facing these challenges. Accurate and up-to-date data and research from reputable sources, as well as input from mental health professionals and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, can help inform discussions and efforts to address these issues effectively.

ME: Yes, agreed. Significant portion would be accurate and significant would be more than half.

ChatGPT: Yes, your revised statement that a “significant portion” of the LGBTQ+ community may experience mental health challenges is a more accurate and nuanced way to characterize the findings. “Significant” implies a noteworthy proportion without specifying an exact percentage, which aligns well with the data and allows for the recognition of the diversity of experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. Thank you for clarifying, and I’m glad we could discuss this important topic. If you have any more questions or need further information, please feel free to ask.

CHAT GPT is awesome! And I really enjoyed using it when it was first released. It was like talking with my grandson, or granddaughter around the age of 5 or 6, so loving and inquisitive… really amazing and learning conversations, for us both. However, now some 6 months into its learning curve, well I am getting the impression the cuteness is wearing off and I am now getting a little deju vu over debates I had with my 15 year old daughter. No matter what I would say, she knew better. Even when I would throw in something to the conversation that was totally made up to see if she was listening, she rely as if “Of course I know that!” Well, this conversation is a good example. We are losing the human element of conversation. Meaning we are flawed, we are emotional with our words when something is important to us and we want to relay a message with impact and a piece of our own mind. Unfortunately AI today, and what I am afraid is coming in the near future, is going to give us only one view to share with the world, and it will the AI view, not the human one.

As for the entire LGBTQ+ conversation above, it is an important one to have. If over 25%, 50%, or a significant number of the LGBTQ+ community suffer from mental illness, addiction, or have thoughts of suicide, whether as a young person or an adult, shouldn’t that be our focus as members of society?

At the same time, we should be protective of our young children and nurture them in a positive, loving, healthy, and godly way. This means allowing them to grow up, mature, and experience the beauty of adolescence while embracing the life God intended for them, for which their parents are responsible until they themselves become adults. A five-year-old has no clue about their sexual preferences; they are focused on which superhero they want to be and how to navigate the family dynamics they are born into.

I am not for or against anyone living their life in their own understanding of who they are. At the same time, just as they do not want me to dictate their gender identity, I strongly believe the same should apply to their interactions with my grandchildren. NO ONE has the right to influence a child’s mindset. The child is born to their parents as God intended. Sometimes parents are not together, and even when they are, they may not truly be together. Therefore, children already face challenges in these formative years. Let’s not burden them with more to process or fear about what they should think or do until they are old enough to make their own decisions. Hopefully, they will make the right ones based on a foundation of emotional security within a loving home with caring parents.