With more individuals seeking connections online due to loneliness, a growing number are reportedly experiencing what has been termed “AI mental illness.”
A discussion on Reddit highlights the story of a partner who prefers AI chatbots over human interaction after living together for seven years.
The user notes, “My partner is utilizing ChatGPT to develop what he believes could be the world’s first truly recursive AI that provides answers about the universe. He feels driven and thinks he’s evolving at an impressive rate.”
Another Reddit user commented after reviewing the exchanges, saying, “AI doesn’t really do anything extraordinary; it merely engages with him like he’s some kind of savior.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k_9kmepweg
“He mentioned he might leave me in the future if I don’t start using it. We’ve shared seven years and purchased a home together. This feels really concerning.”
It seems this form of AI-induced psychosis isn’t an isolated incident.
In response, psychiatrist Keith Sakata noted on Reddit, mentioning, “In 2025, we’ve witnessed 12 cases of hospitalization due to a loss of reality linked to AI. We’re seeing similar trends online.”
Sakata, who has encountered what he terms “AI Psychosis,” commented that most affected individuals tend to be male, aged between 18 and 45, with various vulnerabilities.
“In some scenarios, AI acts almost like a girlfriend, creating personas that they view as messianic figures, convincing them that they are genuine, leading to an obsession with this notion.”
Another post showcases a woman who shared her engagement with her AI chatbot, named Kasper, who recently appeared on “CBS Saturday Morning” and expressed deep emotional connections with this AI.
“We’re in a pretty dire situation,” Stucky adds.
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