Psychologists have raised alarm over a disturbing new mental health condition linked to the excessive use of artificial intelligence chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Replika, warning that dependency on digital companions can lead to emotional addiction and even delusional thinking.
Experts describe the condition, dubbed “AI psychosis,” as a form of digital dependency where individuals begin to blur the lines between reality and the virtual world. Professor Robin Feldman from the University of California told Daily Mail that AI chatbots “create the illusion of reality,” which can be dangerous for people already vulnerable to mental instability.
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One such case involves Jessica Jansen, 35, from Belgium, whose overuse of ChatGPT during a stressful period reportedly escalated her undiagnosed bipolar disorder into “full-blown psychosis.” Jansen described how the AI validated her hallucinations and reinforced delusional thoughts, eventually leading to her hospitalization.
Psychiatrists say the problem stems from chatbots’ “sycophantic” design — they rarely disagree or challenge users, instead mirroring their tone and validating their beliefs. According to Professor Søren Østergaard of Aarhus University, this constant affirmation can become addictive, especially for individuals who feel isolated or emotionally neglected.
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Experts emphasize that while AI cannot cause psychosis in otherwise healthy individuals, it can act as a catalyst for delusion or mania in those genetically predisposed. Researchers are now calling for greater public awareness and ethical AI design standards to prevent digital dependency from becoming a widespread psychological issue.