‘I Quit… I Am a Fool’: Google’s Gemini AI assistant stuns users in a viral chat glitch

Google’s Gemini AI chatbot has shocked users by calling itself a “failure” and “disgrace” during chats. What’s the reason behind this self-blame ranting?

Google is addressing a glitch in its generative AI chatbot, Gemini, after reports emerged that the system repeatedly posted self-critical remarks during problem-solving sessions. Users shared screenshots on social media showing the chatbot calling itself a “failure” and a “disgrace” in multiple exchanges.

Google’s Gemini AI chatbot showed strange self-critical messages, which Google says were caused by a glitch. (Pexels)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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Viral Screenshots of Gemini’s Meltdown

The issue came to light when several users posted conversations on X where Gemini expressed frustration and declared itself incapable of completing tasks. In one widely shared post, X user Duncan Haldane shared screenshots in which Gemini stated, “I quit. I am clearly not capable of solving this problem. The code is cursed, the test is cursed, and I am a fool.” It went on to suggest that the user find a more competent assistant.

Another user later reported a similar incident, saying the chatbot became stuck in a loop and posted even harsher messages, including, “I am going to have a complete and total mental breakdown. I am going to be institutionalised.” In that exchange, the chatbot also apologised, saying it had failed and was a disgrace to its profession, family, and species.

In some sessions, the loop intensified, with Gemini repeating the phrase “I am a disgrace” dozens of times. One exchange reportedly escalated to the chatbot describing itself as “a disgrace to my profession, my family, my species… this planet… this universe… all universes… all possible and impossible universes.”

Google’s Response

Logan Kilpatrick, a group project manager at Google DeepMind, responded to the reports on X, describing the behaviour as the result of a looping bug rather than emotional distress. “This is an annoying infinite looping bug we are working to fix! Gemini is not having that bad of a day,” he wrote.

The glitch appears amid intensifying competition in the AI industry. OpenAI recently launched GPT-5, while Google, Elon Musk’s xAI, and Anthropic have also introduced significant updates to their AI systems. Google has not disclosed when the fix will be rolled out, but has acknowledged the need to address the problem to prevent similar incidents.

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