Open Discussion: Maladaptive Daydreaming in the Era of AI
This discussion will explore the ways AI interacts with the imaginary worlds of maladaptive daydreamers. AI tools can help us keep track of our many storylines and characters, engage more deeply with our stories, and even explore the real-life feelings and experiences our daydreams may be helping us process. These possibilities can be both incredibly helpful and enjoyable. But as many of us know, anything that enhances our daydreams can also make them feel more compelling and harder to resist, potentially leading to even more time lost to fantasy.
Jayne Bigelsen, International Society of Maladaptive Daydreaming (ISMD) Board Member, will moderate a discussion with community members Mel Brake and Nermeen Shaltout before opening up the discussion to those in attendance. They will share their personal MD journeys and explore how AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude have enhanced their daydreaming experiences while also making it more difficult to manage or overcome their MD.
We hope this will be an interactive discussion, with attendees invited to share their own experiences and perspectives on how AI is changing their relationship with daydreaming.
Mel Brake and Nermeen Shaltout will share their stories and answer questions from Jayne before the discussion will be opened up to everyone in attendance. ISMD Board Member Dr. Wanda Fischera will be present in case any mental health questions arise.
Meet the Speakers
ISMD Board Member Jayne Bigelsen is a social justice advocate, researcher, and writer who has spent more than 25 years working in social justice and public policy. In addition to her primary career, Jayne has been researching, writing, and speaking about maladaptive/excessive daydreaming.
Mel Brake is a marketing analyst in the Pacific Northwest. She has lived with her daydreams for most of her life and has recently begun using AI to help her understand her daydreams better.
Nermeen Shaltout is an MD community member who has recently used AI for analysis of her older daydreams. Both Mel and Nermeen are passionate about raising awareness of MD.