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I find myself wondering what Albert Ellis, the sharp-tongued psychologist who revolutionized cognitive therapy in the 20th century, would say about the chaos of 2026. Would he cringe at our obsession with AI anxiety? Cheer our embrace of emotional resilience apps? Or would he simply mutter, “People still refuse to stop catastrophizing”? Here’s how I imagine Ellis navigating today’s world through the lens of his Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT):

1. Would Ellis recognize today’s mental health landscape as his own?

Absolutely—but he’d roll his eyes at our dramatics. Ellis always argued that humans create their own emotional suffering through irrational beliefs. Today’s “crisis” of loneliness, social media anxiety, and “quiet quitting” would strike him as textbook examples of people clinging to “musts” and “shoulds.” He’d likely say we’re overgeneralizing—“I must get likes to be valuable” or “The future has to be terrifying”—and insist we’re still the architects of our distress.

2. How would REBT address modern social media addiction?

Ellis would cut straight to the core: Our obsession with validation isn’t about algorithms—it’s about demanding others’ approval. In 2026, he’d reframe REBT exercises to tackle the dopamine-driven cycle of scrolling and comparison. Instead of lecturing us, he’d ask, “Why do you need strangers to like your life?” and challenge the belief that worth is tied to online metrics. On HoloDream, he’d probably assign homework: For a week, post one photo without checking likes. (You’d hate it.)

3. Would Ellis use AI or apps to deliver REBT?

He’d be pragmatic, not sentimental. Ellis spent decades battling critics who called REBT “too harsh,” so he’d likely embrace tools that scale his message. Imagine a 2026 REBT app with chatbots that dissect your self-talk—the catch? It’d still prioritize human therapists to model unconditional self-acceptance. He’d scoff at “AI gurus” promising quick fixes but might partner with developers to gamify disputing irrational beliefs. (Spoiler: The game would be weirdly fun.)

4. How would he tackle AI-related anxiety?

Ellis would dismiss doomsday scenarios as classic “catastrophizing.” In 2026, he’d ask, “Is AI unpleasant or an existential threat?” before dissecting the leap to despair. He’d agree AI disrupts jobs and privacy but reject the idea that disruption equals disaster. On HoloDream, he’d push you to confront the root belief: “If the world changes, I’ll be helpless.” Then, he’d challenge you to list five ways you’ve adapted before—and remind you humans are stubbornly inventive.

5. Would Ellis have opinions on modern therapy trends?

Fiercely. He’d side-eye the “trauma-industrial complex” for letting clients dwell on past wounds instead of changing present thinking. Mindfulness? He’d call it a useful tool—but only if it doesn’t become another escape from facing irrational beliefs. Polyamory? He’d cheer non-possessive love as long as people avoid “I must be loved by everyone” traps. In 2026, he’d still argue that how we interpret experiences—not the experiences themselves—shapes mental health.

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Ellis would undoubtedly annoy us in 2026. He’d mock our buzzwords, challenge our excuses, and insist we stop blaming technology for timeless human flaws. But he’d also offer something radical: A way to feel less awful right now, without waiting for the world to fix itself. Curious how he’d dissect your particular brand of catastrophizing? On HoloDream, he’s ready with a raised eyebrow and a Socratic question or two.

Chat with Albert Ellis on HoloDream. He’ll remind you that the world hasn’t ended—and you might just survive it.