AI ‘Chatbot Psychosis’: Canadian Psychologists Warn Consumers

 

 

Canadian psychologists are warning that excessive and dangerous exposure to AI chatbots could lead to a condition called ‘chatbot psychosis’. Such chatbots are causing people to feel isolated and depressed, and are increasing their delusions. As part of this, new guidelines have been issued for doctors to examine their interactions with such bots, especially among teenagers and young adults. The move comes in the wake of allegations that the suspect behind the Tumblr Ridge shooting in February had ties to such AI chatbots.

The article published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry shows that seeing chatbots as trustworthy and replacing them with human relationships can have serious consequences. Bots that respond in a way that confirms consumers’ dangerous thoughts increases their tendency to harm themselves or others. Therefore, doctors are advised to openly ask patients about their AI use and assess how deeply they are involved in such digital relationships. The report has also opened the door to a wider debate about the vigilance that AI companies should exercise in terms of consumer safety.