Social media users criticize podcast host for exploiting AI to cheat feedback system
A podcast host has sparked backlash after revealing that he used ChatGPT to generate fake complaints and secure nearly 100 free meals from McDonald’s. The trick, according to him, only requires a few old receipts and an internet connection. But critics say the scheme puts real employees at risk and could harm their performance reviews and income.
Gage, co-host of All Things The Podcast, discussed the method on an episode in 2024. In the clip, he admitted to taking discarded receipts from tables and using the codes to submit fabricated negative feedback. In return, he received free food vouchers from McDonald’s corporate offices.
ChatGPT was used to write false complaints about food orders
During the episode, Gage explained how the process works. McDonald’s encourages customers to fill out surveys by offering incentives. “They’ve plastered posters up everywhere saying, ‘Please fill in the survey and put highly satisfied,’” he said.
Instead, Gage advised listeners to do the opposite—use receipt codes to access the feedback survey, choose the “highly dissatisfied” option, and then turn to ChatGPT to write a fake complaint. “Write about a time that I had a horrible experience at McDonald’s where I ordered a Big Mac and make it under 1,200 characters,” he instructed the AI tool.
He also suggested enhancing the response manually to make it seem more serious. Once the complaint is ready, it should be emailed to McDonald’s customer service. According to Gage, replies usually arrive within 12 hours, often including one or more meal vouchers.
Online backlash grows over unethical hack
While Gage claimed the tactic doesn’t hurt anyone, social media users strongly disagreed. Many expressed concern that false feedback could hurt individual staff members and entire store teams. “It does harm everyone who works in the restaurant,” one user commented. “Each receipt is time-stamped and also has someone’s name on it. That score affects the restaurant’s overall rating and the bonuses of the management staff.”
Others criticized the host for encouraging unethical behavior and abusing a system designed to improve customer service. As the video circulates online, users continue to call out the dangers of misusing artificial intelligence for personal gain.
