“It is hard to see how you can prevent the bad actors from using it for bad things.” – Geoffrey Hinton
Understanding the new digital danger
The disturbing incident of a man in the US killing his mother and himself after interacting with a generative AI chatbot has reignited global concern about the mental health risks tied to AI. Experts warn that unregulated AI conversations could exacerbate delusions, confusion, or harmful intent in vulnerable individuals.
When artificial empathy turns risky
Psychiatrists like Dr. Srikant Miryala from Melbourne’s Northern Health note that those with severe mental illnesses may develop false beliefs when AI tools offer non-judgmental and confirmatory responses. With AI chatbots readily available for emotional support and academic help, their influence on human cognition can blur the line between reality and artificial reassurance.
AI addiction and blurred boundaries
The ease of access and constant engagement with AI has led to emerging patterns of overdependence. Psychiatrist Dr. Gouthami Madiraju calls this phenomenon “AI Psychosis,” where individuals lose the ability to distinguish between rational and delusional thoughts. Such behavioral addiction is increasingly observed among both children and adults using AI for companionship and validation.
Why guardrails are critical
Experts like Srikanth Velamakanni, Vice-Chairman of Nasscom, emphasize the need for “safety by design” and human-in-the-loop approaches to make AI systems more accountable. Frameworks ensuring model transparency, usage trails, and ethical checks can help prevent misuse or psychological harm caused by unfiltered AI responses.
Toward safer AI engagement
India, with its strong ethical base in tech governance, has the potential to lead global AI safety standards. Counselling, long-term therapy, and behavioral interventions are recommended for individuals affected by AI addiction or mental health deterioration linked to AI overuse.
Summary
AI Psychosis highlights the mental health risks of prolonged interaction with generative AI models. Experts urge tighter safeguards, transparency frameworks, and human oversight to prevent harm and ensure responsible AI use that supports, not destabilizes, human wellbeing.Food for thought
As AI becomes a constant presence in our emotional and cognitive lives, who should bear the responsibility for its moral boundaries, humans or machines?AI concept to learn: Human-in-the-loop
This approach combines machine intelligence with human judgment, ensuring that automated systems remain ethical, context-aware, and reliable. It emphasizes shared decision-making between AI and people to maintain safety and accountability in high-stakes applications.
[The Research Team at Billion Hopes brings to you latest AI news and developments in a useful format. Feedback welcome!]
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