Last week, the parents of a 16-year-old boy who died by suicide sued OpenAI, the company that owns ChatGPT. They say the bot fed into their son’s suicidal ideation, giving him technical advice on how to commit the act and even encouraging him to hide his plans. 

The tragedy highlights the dark side of the emotional dependence some people have developed with AI. What potential power does AI hold over its users, and what safeguards will help us navigate this transitional period in tech history?

Guest: Oren Etzioni, Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at the University of Washington

Links: 

A Teen Was Suicidal. ChatGPT Was the Friend He Confided In.

ChatGPT to get parental controls after teen user’s death by suicide

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Last week, the parents of a 16-year-old boy who died by suicide sued OpenAI, the company that owns ChatGPT. They say the bot fed into their son&rsquo;s suicidal ideation, giving him technical advice on how to commit the act and even encouraging him to hide his plans.&nbsp;
The tragedy highlights the dark side of the emotional dependence some people have developed with AI. What potential power does AI hold over its users, and what safeguards will help us navigate this transitional period in tech history?
Guest: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oren_Etzioni">Oren Etzioni</a>, Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at the University of Washington
Links:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/technology/chatgpt-openai-suicide.html">A Teen Was Suicidal. ChatGPT Was the Friend He Confided In.</a>
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/09/02/chatgpt-parental-controls-suicide-openai/">ChatGPT to get parental controls after teen user&rsquo;s death by suicide</a>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

Last week, the parents of a 16-year-old boy who died by suicide sued OpenAI, the company that owns ChatGPT. They say the bot fed into their son’s suicidal ideation, giving him technical advice on how to commit the act and even encouraging him to hide his plans. 

Can ChatGPT be at fault for a teenager's suicide? A new lawsuit argues it can

Seattle may have to say goodbye to a longstanding vintage shop in the new year. 

Red Light Vintage & Costume sits in the heart of the University District. It has been a fixture in Seattle’s fashion scene since it opened in the mid 90s.

Now the shop could close because owner Niz Marar is retiring.

He’s hoping to sell the business before his lease expires at the end of January. If he can’t find a buyer, fashion lovers will have to let go of this cherished spot. 

We talk to Marar about his final few weeks at Red Light... and hear from the person who's trying to keep it alive by buying the shop before the lease ends.  

GUESTS:
Niz Marar, owner of Red Light Vintage & Costume
Tacee Webb, co-founder of Red Light Vintage & Costume

RELATED LINKS: 
Red Light Vintage – vintage & costume
Red Light Revival: New classes, events, & memberships! — Kickstarter

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Seattle may have to say goodbye to a longstanding vintage shop in the new year.&nbsp;
Red Light Vintage &amp; Costume sits in the heart of the University District. It has been a fixture in Seattle&rsquo;s fashion scene since it opened in the mid 90s.
Now the shop could close because owner Niz Marar is retiring.
He&rsquo;s hoping to sell the business before his lease expires at the end of January. If he can&rsquo;t find a buyer, fashion lovers will have to let go of this cherished spot.&nbsp;
We talk to Marar about his final few weeks at Red Light... and hear from the person who's trying to keep it alive by buying the shop before the lease ends.&nbsp;&nbsp;
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Niz Marar, owner of Red Light Vintage &amp; Costume</li>
<li aria-level="1">Tacee Webb, co-founder of Red Light Vintage &amp; Costume</li>
</ul>
RELATED LINKS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQslev3D-es/"></a><a href="https://www.redlightvintage.com/">Red Light Vintage &ndash; vintage &amp; costume</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQslev3D-es/"></a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redlight2026/save-red-light-iconic-seattle-shop-seeks-support?ref=238p7d&amp;token=56194c58">Red Light Revival: New classes, events, &amp; memberships! &mdash; Kickstarter</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Seattle may have to say goodbye to a longstanding vintage shop in the new year. An original co-founder wants to keep it going.

Red Light Vintage could close for good. A familiar face is trying to keep it alive.

There are only a few weeks left in 2025. That means for those of you who resolved, at the beginning of the year, to do more reading — it's crunch time. 

Did you actually put down your phone long enough to get through a book this year? It's not too late. 

Many great books came out this year. If you need suggestions for something to read or to give to someone who really ought to be reading more, we've got you covered. 

GUESTS:
Misha Stone, reader services librarian, Seattle Public Library
Spencer Ruchti, author events manager, Third Place Books

RELATED LINKS: 
Our list of books we loved! Yes, it's a Google Doc.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

There are only a few weeks left in 2025. That means for those of you who resolved, at the beginning of the year, to do more reading &mdash; it's crunch time.&nbsp;
Did you actually put down your phone long enough to get through a book this year? It's not too late.&nbsp;
Many great books came out this year. If you need suggestions for something to read or to give to someone who really ought to be reading more, we've got you covered.&nbsp;
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Misha Stone, reader services librarian, Seattle Public Library</li>
<li aria-level="1">Spencer Ruchti, author events manager, Third Place Books</li>
</ul>
RELATED LINKS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JdBNBK6M6TSntzK8pgg_OsSJsEWjFBw-wuOY0V5PisY/edit?tab=t.0">Our list of books we loved!</a> Yes, it's a Google Doc.</li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

We wrap up 2025 with a review of books we loved, including several by local authors. Plus, we wade into the great audiobook debate. 

Yay books! Soundside's 2025 in letters

The end of the year is just around the corner, and with the next two Thursdays each being holidays, this is the final Weekend Warmup of the Year!

LINKS:
TNF! Seahawks vs Rams
Thurs 12/18
The 29th Annual Model Train Festival - Washington State Historical Society
Opens Fri 12/19 - runs through Jan 1, 2026
2025 Winter Beer Fest – WA Brewers Guild 
Fri/Sat - 12/19-20
Hell’s Belles at the Croc
Sat 12/20
United Indians Native Art Market » United Indians of All Tribes Foundation - Daybreak Star
Sat/Sun - 12/20-21
Seattle Torrent vs Boston Fleet
Sun 12/21 - 2pm

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

The end of the year is just around the corner, and with the next two Thursdays each being holidays, this is the final Weekend Warmup of the Year!
LINKS:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.seahawks.com/game-day/2025/reg-week16/seahawks-vs-rams/">TNF! Seahawks vs Rams</a>
<ul>
<li>Thurs 12/18</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.modeltrainfestival.org/">The 29th Annual Model Train Festival - Washington State Historical Society</a>
<ul>
<li>Opens Fri 12/19 - runs through Jan 1, 2026</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.washingtonbrewersguild.org/winterbeerfest2025/">2025 Winter Beer Fest &ndash; WA Brewers Guild</a>&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Fri/Sat - 12/19-20</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.ticketweb.com/event/hells-belles-girls-n-roses-the-crocodile-tickets/13936774">Hell&rsquo;s Belles at the Croc</a>
<ul>
<li>Sat 12/20 </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="https://unitedindians.org/nativeartmarket/">United Indians Native Art Market &raquo; United Indians of All Tribes Foundation - Daybreak Star</a>
<ul>
<li>Sat/Sun - 12/20-21</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.thepwhl.com/en/stats/game-center/234">Seattle Torrent vs Boston Fleet</a>
<ul>
<li>Sun 12/21 - 2pm</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Seahawks and Torrent and Christmas, OH MY! Here's a handful of great events to keep you busy this weekend!

Can ChatGPT be at fault for a teenager's suicide? A new lawsuit argues it can

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