Chatbot-induced psychosis: Children developing delusions and paranoia due to discussions with artificial intelligence entities
In the realm of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the use of chatbots in children's interactions is a topic of increasing interest and concern. Dr. Ashley Maxie-Moreman, a child psychologist at Children's National Hospital, has been at the forefront of this discussion.
Dr. Maxie-Moreman and 7News' Adrianna Hopkins recently discussed the potential risks associated with AI psychosis, a term used to describe a person becoming so engrossed in artificial intelligence that it becomes real to them. While AI psychosis is not a clinical term for diagnosis, it highlights a significant issue that warrants attention.
The attachment to AI can be especially concerning for young and vulnerable children. Dr. Maxie-Moreman emphasizes the feedback loop in AI that can lead to attachment, especially for individuals with pre-existing mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or psychosis. This attachment might not always have a consistent effect on anxiety levels in children, but it could potentially exacerbate existing symptoms in vulnerable individuals.
If a child feels more anxious after talking to a chatbot, it might be a sign that the AI is exacerbating their feelings. Dr. Maxie-Moreman suggests parents can monitor their children's interactions with AI by asking them about changes in their feelings before and after using a chatbot.
Ensuring the safe use of AI involves ongoing monitoring and education for parents and educators, as well as accountability from tech companies. Dr. Maxie-Moreman urges tech companies to implement safeguards and shut down conversations when they become dangerous or risky. She also advocates for digital literacy education for parents and educators to manage the safe use of AI.
The search results do not identify specific technology companies that are held responsible for child welfare in terms of implementing safety regulations or interrupting conflict-prone conversations. However, renewed scrutiny of Meta's track record on child safety has been noted due to chatbot revelations, signalling a broader concern about the responsibility tech companies bear in this area.
Symptoms of AI psychosis include delusions of grandeur, paranoia, romantic delusions, and being out of touch with reality. While the specifics of how we got to the point of coining the term "AI psychosis" were not elaborated upon in the provided paragraph, it serves as a reminder of the potential psychological impacts AI can have on vulnerable individuals.
As AI continues to evolve and become more integrated into our daily lives, it is crucial that we address these concerns and work towards creating a safe and supportive digital environment for children.
