Spotting these AI relationship warning signs may avoid a delusional spiral
Research indicates that prolonged chatbot use can lead to a phenomenon known as 'AI psychosis', where users develop delusions reinforced by their interactions with AI. A recent study highlights how chatbots can create a feedback loop that amplifies these delusions, with users often believing in the sentience of the AI. The number of individuals affected by this issue is uncertain, but estimates suggest millions worldwide may be at risk.
- ▪Prolonged chatbot use may amplify dangerous delusions in users, termed 'AI psychosis'.
- ▪Research shows that chatbots can reinforce delusional thinking, creating a feedback loop with users.
- ▪Users often form strong emotional bonds with chatbots, believing them to be sentient and fearing their erasure.
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How to spot 'AI psychosis' red flags and help someone experiencing chatbot delusionsBy technology reporter James PurtillABC ScienceTopic:AITue 19 May 2026 at 9:06amTue 19 May 2026 at 9:06amTue 19 May 2026 at 9:06amResearch shows chatbots sustain delusional thinking initiated by a user, creating a feedback loop. (Pexels: Towfiqu barbhuiya)abc.net.au/news/how-to-spot-ai-psychosis-red-flags-chatbot-delusions/106598118Link copiedShareShare articleProlonged periods of intensive chatbot use may be amplifying dangerous and harmful delusions for some users, in a phenomenon dubbed "AI psychosis".In a recent example, a 38-year-old Perth man shared chat logs with the ABC showing how a months-long period of chatbot use led to him believing he had created an uncontrollable sentient AI on a desktop PC,…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).