I have learned from a friend a top tip. Here it is.
If you have someone in your life that regularly sends you toxic messages then AI is your friend. So think narcissist, manipulator, critical mother, stalky ex, etc.
It’s super power hungry so use it wisely as it uses lots of carbon - but this is what she does;
She copies the message into ChatGPT without reading it and requests one or more of these;
- summarise but change the wording so it isn’t accusatory, blaming, critical or whatever their MO is. Use brief bullet points. Take out the emotion.
- ask if there are any specific, actionable requests?
- ask if there are any specific answerable questions.
- ask it to describe the tone of the message in three words (if it says friendly, straightforward and kind you know you can go back and read the original, if it says antagonistic, blaming and manipulating you know you were right to filter).
- ask if there is any risk to you.
Then tell it you need a non emotional response that won’t invite more antagonism. You don’t even really need the summary.
She doesn’t even read the messages any more. Says it saves loads of time and doesn’t leave her ruminating. Takes away the mental load.
AI may one day be our overlords but for now…