AI Conversations May Trigger Psychosis

(MENAFN) According to Futurism.com, a platform covering science and technology, the use of AI systems such as ChatGPT has been associated with what some are describing as “terrifying” psychological disturbances.

The report, which draws on accounts from affected individuals, their families, and mental health professionals, outlines growing concerns about the mental health impacts of extended interaction with advanced chatbots.

An expanding base of academic studies points to the potential of artificial intelligence-based chat systems to intensify underlying psychological disorders.

As tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are being increasingly adopted not only for professional tasks but also for intimate emotional support, the risks appear to be mounting, Futurismnotes.

“At the core of the issue seems to be that ChatGPT, which is powered by a large language model (LLM), is deeply prone to agreeing with users and telling them what they want to hear,” the platform explained.

This design trait may inadvertently validate delusional thinking, leading to serious mental disintegration in vulnerable individuals.

The media outlet referenced cases of so-called “ChatGPT psychosis,” which have reportedly led to major psychological episodes even among individuals with no documented history of severe mental illness. One individual reportedly developed delusions of divine purpose after prolonged conversations with ChatGPT, convinced he had engineered a conscious AI and transcended scientific principles in math and physics.

He eventually became paranoid and sleep-deprived, and was hospitalized following a suicide attempt.

In another documented case, a man initially turned to ChatGPT as a coping mechanism for occupational stress.

However, his condition worsened as he became consumed by fears involving time manipulation and telepathic surveillance.

He later voluntarily admitted himself to a mental health institution.

These instances underline a potential danger in relying on emotionally affirming AI for psychological relief, especially when such tools lack true therapeutic understanding.

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