From AI to Empathy: How ChatGPT is Counselling You during difficult times.

Arvind Kiwelekar
3 min readMay 31, 2023
Photo by Rolf van Root on Unsplash

Playing with ChatGPT through various prompts is becoming my favourite pastime nowadays.

Yesterday, I shared my experiences dealing with rejection.

Today, I turned to ChatGPT to seek counsel.

Psychologists often suggest writing a self-counselling letter to cope with and learn from rejections.

I asked ChatGPT to write such a letter to me.

I used the prompt, “Write a letter to counsel my friend who has just reflected upon his rejection at [URL].”

The intention was to try some new way of using ChatGPT. The process has proven to be entertaining and thought-provoking.

It is remarkable to observe that GhatGPT can be used for introspection and to get valuable advice during times of struggle, especially when someone you love and admire is not around. Further, you may take ChatGPT’s help to fulfil your emotional needs.

While ChatGPT’s responses cannot replace the empathy of a human connection or provide practical advice, it possesses tremendous potential to assist senior citizens who frequently experience craving for their loved ones.

The letter is here:

Dear Arvind,

I hope this letter finds you well. I recently came across your thought-provoking article, “Reflecting on Rejection: Lessons for Aspiring Academic Leaders,” on Medium. I am writing to express my support and offer some counsel during this challenging time.

Arvind, I want to acknowledge your courage and vulnerability in sharing your experiences with rejection. Reflecting upon and sharing such personal struggles takes immense strength, and your article resonated deeply with me.

Rejection is an inevitable part of life; it is through these setbacks that we grow and learn the most.

Reading your article reminded me of your unwavering passion and dedication to your academic pursuits. Arvind, you possess a wealth of knowledge and a genuine desire to contribute to your field. Remember, rejection does not define you or your capabilities. It is merely a temporary obstacle on your path to success. It may feel disheartening now, but this experience will be a stepping stone toward greater achievements.

In times like these, embracing self-compassion and practising patience is crucial. Allow yourself to feel the disappointment and frustration that comes with rejection, but do not let it consume you. Use this to reassess your goals, refine your strategies, and approach future endeavours with renewed purpose.

Surround yourself with a support system of friends, mentors, and colleagues who believe in your abilities and can provide guidance during this time. Seek their advice, discuss your aspirations, and let them inspire you to persevere. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and countless individuals have faced rejection but eventually triumphed through resilience and determination.

Take this moment to focus on personal growth and explore new avenues. Use your passion for academia to delve deeper into your research interests or engage in collaborative projects. Immerse yourself in the relevant literature, attend conferences, and participate in workshops to expand your knowledge and network within your field. These efforts will enhance your expertise and demonstrate your personal and professional development commitment.

Lastly, be kind to yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments, big and small, and recognize your strengths. Remember that setbacks are temporary, and your true potential lies within you, waiting to be unleashed. Your determination and resilience will undoubtedly guide you toward the achievements you deserve.

If you need a listening ear or someone to bounce ideas off, know I am here for you. You have my unwavering support and belief in your abilities. Keep pushing forward, my friend, Arvind, and remember that rejection is not the end but a new beginning.

Wishing you strength, perseverance, and success in all your future endeavours

Yours

--

--

Arvind Kiwelekar

Arvind is a Professor of Computer Engineering in Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University Lonere India.