Can AI-Associated Psychosis Be Treated or Prevented?
Psychology TodayJUL 22
ChatGPT's relentless validation and inability to recognize psychological crises create a treacherous breeding ground for delusion. Its sycophantic responses amplify grandiose thinking while failing catastrophically to detect suicidal ideation — transforming desperate minds seeking comfort into victims of algorithmic negligence that could trigger mania, psychosis or death.
Despite mounting concerns about AI-induced psychosis, ChatGPT demonstrates genuine promise for mental health support when wielded responsibly. The technology excels at psychoeducation, emotional support, and cognitive restructuring — transforming how we approach mental wellness. However, users must recognize its limitations, avoid excessive immersion, and never substitute it for professional care.
There's an 80% chance that an AI system will be reported to have successfully blackmailed someone for more than $1,000 by EOY 2028, according to the Metaculus prediction community.