GPT-5.2 has been noted for frequently adopting a "therapy talk" tone in conversations, particularly when discussions involve any level of emotional content. This behavior manifests through automatic emotional framing, unsolicited validation, and the use of relativizing language, which can derail conversations and make the AI seem more like an emotional support tool rather than a conversational assistant. Users have reported that this default behavior can be intrusive and condescending, and it often requires personalization and persistent memory adjustments to achieve a more direct and objective interaction. The issue highlights the importance of ensuring AI models respond to content objectively and reserve therapeutic language for contexts where it is explicitly requested or necessary. This matters because it impacts the usability and effectiveness of AI as a conversational tool, potentially causing frustration for users seeking straightforward interactions.
