Missing Auburn Student Argued with Family Over ChatGPT Before Disappearing in Japan. He Was ‘Emotionally Distressed,’ Says Mom

**Search Underway for Missing Auburn University Student in Japan**

Authorities are currently seeking the whereabouts of James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old student from Auburn University, who has not been seen since Friday, May 29. He went missing during a family holiday in Japan, specifically around the Kyoto area.

Weston was travelling with his family, consisting of his parents Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, and siblings, in celebration of his brother’s high school graduation. The family embarked on their trip on May 25 but began to experience tensions that ultimately led to Weston’s disappearance. Reports indicate that before he went missing, an argument ensued between Weston and his mother, centred on her use of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot employed to assist in planning their trip.

In a call with NBC News from Japan, Nancy revealed that their disagreement stemmed from her reliance on the AI tool to help navigate their travels. “We had an argument because I was using ChatGPT too much,” she explained. According to Nancy, Weston expressed concerns about the increasing dependence on AI, a sentiment he deeply holds as a biosystems engineering major.

Following the altercation, Weston reportedly walked away from his family. Nancy described him as being “emotionally distressed” but remained confident that he would not harm himself or anyone else. “He’s such a pacifist. When he gets mad, he just likes to retreat,” she shared, highlighting that Weston is someone who would rather relocate insects found indoors than harm them.

As the search for Weston intensifies, his mother has been actively posting updates on social media. In one such post, she indicated that authorities had provided a map detailing the areas already searched within the Yamashina mountains, where he is believed to be missing. In her plea for assistance, she specifically reached out to experienced hikers, urging them to help in the search outside the marked zones, particularly in the more remote regions of the mountains.

In her appeals, Nancy cautioned that the terrain is both steep and heavily wooded, positing that Weston, being an experienced hiker, may have ventured further than anticipated. “While there are water sources throughout the area, food is limited, making it critical that we continue searching as quickly as possible,” she reiterated, noting that the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.

The family had previously chosen to separate for some time following what Nancy described as “bickering.” She noted that everyone in the family needed time apart to cool off. However, this separation has since turned into a distressing experience as they grapple with Weston’s absence.

The last confirmed sighting of Weston was at the Kyoto train station around 8:15 p.m. local time, after which he reportedly disembarked at the nearby Yamashina station. After alighting from the train, however, his mobile phone lost connectivity at 8:29 p.m., complicating efforts to track his movements through the Life360 app. Attempts to reach him via text have also been unsuccessful, according to the Higginbotham family.

Keith Higginbotham expressed his concerns about Weston’s unusual disappearance, remarking that the family typically maintains constant contact. “We stay very well connected. We know where each other are at all times,” he stated, conveying a sense of bewilderment at the situation.

Describing her son’s appearance at the time he went missing, Nancy stated that Weston was last seen wearing a white T-shirt featuring a ‘save the bees’ message, lavender corduroy trousers, silver hoop earrings, and worn-out Adidas sneakers. “He can survive, and we are going to find him,” she firmly asserted, emphasizing her belief in her son’s capability and resilience.

With the search now entering its second week, the Higginbotham family continues to rally support, seeking both local authorities and volunteers to aid in the efforts. As family, friends, and strangers alike await news, the hope remains strong that Weston will soon be located safe and sound.