Viqus Logo Viqus Logo
Home
Categories
Language Models Generative Imagery Hardware & Chips Business & Funding Ethics & Society Science & Robotics
Resources
AI Glossary Academy CLI Tool Labs
About Contact

AI 'BestInterest' Emerges as Co-Parenting Shield

Artificial Intelligence Co-Parenting Technology Narcissistic Personality Disorder Therapy Legal Tech Parenting Conflict
October 27, 2025
Source: Wired AI
Viqus Verdict Logo Viqus Verdict Logo 8
Smart Support, Deep Problems
Media Hype 7/10
Real Impact 8/10

Article Summary

‘BestInterest,’ an app developed by serial tech founder I. Kennedy, is offering a novel approach to co-parenting in high-conflict situations. Driven by a personal need following a difficult divorce, Kennedy initially sought real-time support and, recognizing the potential of AI, began experimenting with ChatGPT. The app leverages sentiment analysis to flag concerning language in messages and provides chatbot-generated responses, aiming to de-escalate conversations and offer a buffer against emotional manipulation. However, the app’s origins and rising popularity stem from a broader online trend: people seeking psychoeducation and guidance on dealing with individuals exhibiting narcissistic traits. The app’s success demonstrates a significant demand for tools that can equip users with strategies for gray-rocking, a technique that involves denying a narcissistic individual attention and emotional supply. Kennedy’s subsequent partnership with Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist specializing in narcissistic abuse, further amplified the app’s visibility and credibility, blending therapeutic insights with technological solutions. The story underscores the evolving landscape of mental health support, with AI increasingly offering readily available and personalized guidance – though, critics note, the underlying issues often require more profound and long-term interventions. Furthermore, the need to review the original messages – even with the AI’s help – indicates the complexities involved in these scenarios, reinforcing the importance of careful documentation for potential legal proceedings.

Key Points

  • AI tools are being developed to address specific emotional challenges, particularly in high-conflict relationships.
  • The rise of ‘BestInterest’ reflects a broader trend of individuals seeking online psychoeducation and strategies for managing difficult personalities.
  • The collaboration between Kennedy and Dr. Ramani Durvasula demonstrates the intersection of technological innovation and therapeutic expertise.

Why It Matters

This story highlights a crucial societal shift: the increasing recognition of emotionally damaging relationship patterns and the desperate need for accessible support. It’s not just about a clever tech product; it’s about a growing understanding of narcissistic behaviors and their devastating impact. This news matters because it reveals how technology is being repurposed to address complex psychological issues, offering a potential lifeline to individuals trapped in emotionally draining relationships. Furthermore, the use of a clinical psychologist underscores the importance of integrating therapeutic knowledge with technological innovation, hinting at the future of personalized mental health interventions. For professionals, this story demonstrates the increasing relevance of understanding family dynamics and the potential role of AI in supporting emotional wellbeing – though, crucially, it also highlights the limits of technology and the persistent need for human expertise.

You might also be interested in