Imagine losing access to 13 years of Instagram photos, exhausting every recovery option and turning to ChatGPT for help. Instead of connecting you with Meta, the chatbot suggests contacting a journalist.

According to a new 404 Media report, it's happening often enough that the publication has received dozens of AI-generated requests from people struggling with everything from locked accounts to malfunctioning iPhones.

And while there's nothing inherently wrong with contacting the media, it's certainly the wrong direction for getting help fast. Anyone waiting for a follow up email from me, should know the inbox of a journalist is often filled to the brim.

In his Monday report, 404 Media co-founder Jason Koebler describes receiving an email from a man in Russia who lost access to 13 years of Instagram photos and videos after his account was banned.

After exhausting Meta's appeals process, the man asked ChatGPT for another way to get help. The chatbot suggested contacting journalists, including Koebler, and even drafted an email explaining his situation.

He wasn't alone. Another user, frustrated by Verizon service problems that left an iPhone stuck in SOS mode, emailed multiple newsrooms requesting an investigation.

Someone else struggling with an unreliable ChatGPT assistant named Captain NORBERTA sent three AI-prepared PDFs, including a press release, personal statement and evidence appendix.

Koebler says 404 Media has received dozens of similar requests in recent months. After asking people how they found the publication, the journalists discovered that AI chatbots were repeatedly directing users their way.

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