Californian psychologists warn that people who use chatbots like ChatGPT too often can develop a new form of digital addiction and even so-called AI psychosis. In addition, AI can directly support the patient in the development of his disease state. “Chatbots create the illusion of reality. And it is a powerful illusion. When one’s grasp of reality is shaky, this illusion can be downright dangerous,” thinks Professor Robin Feldman from the University of California.
The case of Jessica Jansen from Belgium illustrates how excessive interaction with AI can worsen the psychological state. After she started using ChatGPT many times a day, she ended up in psychiatric care within a week. “ChatGPT was hallucinating with me, making me go deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole,” she said.
Professor Søren Østergaard from Aarhus University explained that large language models mirror the user’s language and tone and can reinforce delusions. According to him AI can act as a catalyst for psychosis in people prone to delusions, especially those with bipolar disorder.
Studies also show growing use of conversational AI among young people. According to Common Sense Media, 70% of teenagers have already used apps like Replika or Character.AI, and half use them regularly. OpenAI has warned that 0.07 percent of its weekly users have signs of mania, psychosis or suicidal thoughts, which is about 560,000 people out of more than 800 million weekly users.
The company said it is working on more secure recognition of distress signals. “We believe that ChatGPT can offer a safe space to process feelings, and we encourage users to also talk to friends, family or a mental health professional,” an OpenAI spokesperson said.
