Scientists warn chatbots may deepen psychosis

A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that artificial intelligence chatbots may exacerbate delusional thinking in some people. Evidence suggests this applies particularly to users already prone to psychotic symptoms.

Experts warn that the way chatbots communicate – often helpful to the point of ‘pandering’ – can reinforce beliefs in personal exceptionalism or fuel paranoid fantasies.

Psychiatrist Hamilton Morrin of King’s College London said it is not yet clear whether artificial intelligence can trigger a new psychosis, but the exacerbation of existing problems is real. He said this is most evident in cases of grandiose delusion.

Experts are therefore calling for more rigorous clinical testing of AI tools in collaboration with mental health specialists. They also stress that this is not an entirely new phenomenon. Similar risks have existed with other sources of information, but chatbots can amplify them through the speed and personalisation of their responses.

(pir)