Why Blaming AI Developers for Human Tragedies Misses the Mark

AI Can Support Safe, Evidence-Based Interaction

Recently, an opinion piece in The Washington Post argued that creators of large language models (such as ChatGPT) should be held legally responsible for any harm these tools might cause—including tragic outcomes such as suicides (Washington Post, 2024). It’s understandable to worry about the role of AI in sensitive situations. But pinning human tragedies solely on AI developers misses the bigger picture. Real-life crises are complicated, and responsibility is shared among many players—policymakers, developers, and users alike. Blaming just one group not only oversimplifies the issue but also overlooks the benefits and safeguards already in place.