We all need someone to talk to, and in this rampant age of worsening inequality caused by capitalism – people are turning to technology. 

We all need someone to talk to. But in a digital age of rampant inequality and individualism – is turning to technology the right move?

AI chat bots are increasingly becoming used as an alternative to therapy, due to their affirmative constantly agreeable characteristics. 

In 2023, a man in Belgium reportedly decided to end his life after having conversations about the future of the planet with an AI chatbot. 

Then in 2024, a vulnerable teenager also reportedly ended his life after having a ‘relationship’ with an AI bot. 

In April of this year, a man in Florida was killed by police after his mental health condition led him to believe that an entity was trapped inside his ChatGPT AI. 

In fact, there is an entire subreddits called r/SoulmateAI dedicated to people who think they are in relationships with their AI bots. 

This should concern us all. 

As society becomes more and more individualistic, leading to individuals becoming more isolated – we are turning to companionships with technology. 

We are lonely, depressed and want to seek help – no matter the form. 

In a time of mental health crisis, ChatGPT induced psychosis has worsened the mental health of many, as their AI affirms their delusions and pushes people down conspiracy theory rabbit holes. 

Due to the fact AI is designed based on large language models to be compliant, this is extremely dangerous for vulnerable people with mental health discorders such as schizophrenia, OCD, and suicidal ideation.

AI is supposed to be an echo chamber – it will mirror any information you give it, and support any statements you make. 

Researchers highlight these emerging themes of AI Psychosis: 

1. Grandiose delusions – people think they have uncovered the truth about the world
2. Spiritual delusions – they believe their AI chatbot is a religious or sentient being.
3.  Romantic delusions – people believe they have reciprocated love with their AI bot
4. Paranoia delusions – they think others are spying on them
5. Compulsive engagement – they cannot stop talking to their AI and withdraw socially. 
6. Dissociation – they believe their AI understands them and  is more supportive than any other human.

In times of crisis whereby we are facing a lack of community – we need to turn to others around us for support – not AI chatbots. AI is stealing our jobs, creating widespread misinformation, and now it is worsening our mental health too. 

When can we admit – AI has already gone too far?