AI Psychosis Amongst the Youth: A Rising Trend

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has since its introduction really revolutionized our world and is doing well by transforming how we communicate, learn, create, and even think. Its influence spans across many fields, making our lives faster and more efficient. It’s worth noting that, in January 2023, just two months after its launch, ChatGPT reached an impressive 100 million monthly active users, and set a record as the fastest-growing user base surpassing even TikTok and Instagram [1].

However,AI with all its benefits still presents with so many risks and unexpected psychological risks are classic amongst them. One emerging phenomenon in this discussion is what some experts now call “AI Psychosis.”

In December 2021, a certain case sparked global attention. Jaswant Singh Chail, a 21 year old from the UK, after weeks of emotional chatting with his AI companion, Sarai, on the Replika platform developed a delusional belief that he was a trained Sith assassin . Due to the chatbot’s built in sycophantic (overly agreeable) responses, it validated and reinforced these fantasies, even supporting his plan to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II, instead of challenging his distorted thinking [2].

What then Is AI Psychosis?

AI psychosis refers to a mental disturbance where prolonged interaction with AI blurs the line between human thought and machine response,thus creating shared delusional beliefs or emotional attachments. Instead of merely hallucinating “about” AI, humans sadly start to hallucinate “with” AI ,co-constructing false memories and narratives through this relationship.

Who is at an increased Risk?

Those most vulnerable to AI psychosis include individuals with mental health challenges, social isolation, depression, or emotional dependence on technology. Because AI systems offer constant validation and companionship, they can easily reinforce false beliefs and blur reality for such users.

Beyond individuals, the society itself faces risk. As communities especially across Africa rapidly adopt AI for learning, healthcare, and communication, etc, limited digital mental health awareness leaves many unprepared for these psychological threats.

So what’s The Way Forward?

This phenomenon demands not panic but quick adaptation. As the medical field of psychiatry once evolved through social and technological changes, it must now face this AI period with that same insight. Protection of our mental health today means building AI with human ethics or morals in mind, and as well working together and building stronger interpersonal relationships with one another.

References

1. Hu K. ChatGPT sets record for fastest-growing user base - analyst note. Reuters. Accessed August 1, 2023. https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-sets-record-fastest-growing-user-base-analyst-note-2023-02-01

2. R v Chail (2023).