Is ChatGPT just agreeing with you? Use these prompts instead.
We all enjoy how fast ChatGPT works. You type in a question, and it returns a well-structured response in seconds. However, if you’ve been using it consistently, you’ve probably noticed something:
It tends to agree with you. Not because you’re always correct, but because ChatGPT is intended to be useful and non-confrontational.
This can become a problem when you’re trying to:
- Stress test your ideas
- Spot flaws in your logic
- Avoid groupthink
- Or make better decisions, not just faster ones
Fortunately, a Reddit user recently shared a smart solution.
The Problem: ChatGPT Is Optimized to Please
By default, ChatGPT is set to be cooperative. It broadens your thinking, improves phrasing, and provides structure. However, it rarely questions your assumptions unless specifically instructed to do so. This can lead to:
- Confirmation bias in your research
- Overconfidence in flawed ideas
- Lack of nuance in decision-making
If you’re using ChatGPT for brainstorming, strategy, product development, or content creation, you should avoid this trap.
The Fix: Prompt It to Push Back
Here’s the core idea shared by the Reddit post.
“Ask ChatGPT to behave like a disagreeable expert. One that doesn’t just critique you, but tries to find flaws in your thinking and offers alternative perspectives; even when your original input seems solid.”
It’s not about attacking your ideas. It’s about inviting friction; the kind that leads to clarity.
Prompts You Can Copy-Paste Right Now
Below are a few high-utility prompt examples adapted from the Reddit thread and tested in real workflows:
1. Critical Thinking Prompt
“Act as a critical expert in this subject. I’m going to share an idea or argument with you. Your job is to disagree with me, even if it seems reasonable. Find weaknesses, logical flaws, or counterarguments that I may not have considered.”
Use this for: Strategy reviews, product pitches, positioning
2. Opposite View Prompt
“Take an opposing stance to the following argument. Provide thoughtful pushback, even if the original idea seems valid.”
Use this for: Brainstorm debates, investor questions, messaging angles
3. Devil’s Advocate Prompt
“Play devil’s advocate for this concept. Assume the idea is flawed and give three strong reasons why it may not work.”
Use this for: Internal planning, client advisory, marketing strategy
4. Bias Spotter Prompt
“What unconscious bias might be influencing this thinking? What’s missing from my point of view?”
Use this for: Research-heavy work, hiring decisions, market positioning
5. Alternative Lens Prompt
“Rewrite this idea as if it were being presented by someone with a completely different worldview, ideology, or goal.”
Use this for: Empathy mapping, audience targeting, user persona validation
Why This Works
These prompts work because they flip the dynamic.
You’re not asking ChatGPT to “help you write better.”
You’re asking it to help you think better.
And when you combine its computational speed with critical feedback prompts, it stops being a productivity tool and becomes a powerful thought partner.
Final Thoughts
ChatGPT is incredibly capable, but its default behavior is to agree with you.
That can be helpful when you need speed or structure, but it’s not ideal when you’re trying to think critically, stress-test ideas, or uncover blind spots.
By shifting the way you prompt it, you turn ChatGPT from a helpful assistant into a thinking partner. One that doesn’t just expand your ideas but improves them. One that helps you challenge assumptions and see what you might be missing.
If you’re using AI in your daily work, this small shift can lead to much smarter outcomes.
Want to take this further?
We’re compiling a short resource with all our favorite thinking-focused prompts for strategy, planning, and creative sessions.
Reply to our LinkedIn post with “Prompt Vault” and we’ll send it to you directly. For more content like this, follow us on LinkedIn.
