Recognizing and Addressing the Mental Health Risks of AI Interactions: How to Identify and Mitigate Psychological Stress from AI Tools like ChatGPT

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Chatgpt is the Openai chatbot, based on the GPT artificial intelligence model, making it possible to answer all kinds of questions or requests. Available in a free online version.

License : Free license
Auteur : Openai
Operating systems: Windows 10 / 11, macOS Apple Silicon, Service en ligne, Android, iOS iPhone / iPad
Category : IA

Users turn to AI as a kind of therapy, which increases risks. These judicial cases even show us that sometimes the tools encourage self -harm and suicide.

The “AI psychosis” is therefore an informal term instead of a clinical diagnosis to talk about this phenomenon. THE Washington Post consulted several mental health experts who talk about a phenomenon such as “brain rot” or the “doomscrolling”.

Vaile Wright, senior director of health care innovation at the American Psychology Association, talks about a new phenomenon: “It is indeed so new and it happens so quickly that we do not have the empirical evidence to understand what is going on, there are only anecdotal stories.”

In the coming months, the American Psychology Association will publish recommendations on the therapeutic use of AI.

Ashleigh Golden, assistant professor of psychiatry in Stanford, confirms that the term “AI psychosis” does not appear in any medical manual. But this term explains a “Touring scheme for chatbots that strengthen messianic, grandiose, religious or romantic delusions.”

Jon Kole, certified psychiatrist, medical director of Headspace, talks about a “Difficulty determining what is real or not” as a common symptom. People develop false beliefs and feel an intense relationship with AI, becoming disconnected from reality.

What are the key psychological risks associated with forming emotional dependencies on AI chatbots?

The Emerging Landscape of AI and Mental Wellbeing

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools,like ChatGPT,Bard,and others,are rapidly integrating into daily life. While offering amazing convenience and capabilities, this increased interaction raises important questions about thier potential impact on our mental health.This isn’t about fearing AI, but about understanding its nuances and proactively protecting our psychological wellbeing. The field of AI psychology is still developing, but early indicators suggest a need for mindful engagement.

Identifying the Psychological Risks of AI Interaction

several factors contribute to potential mental health challenges stemming from AI interactions.These risks aren’t necessarily inherent to the technology itself, but rather how we use and perceive it.

Emotional Dependency: Forming an emotional attachment to an AI chatbot can be surprisingly easy. The consistent availability and non-judgmental responses can be appealing,particularly for individuals experiencing loneliness or social isolation. This can lead to unhealthy reliance and difficulty forming genuine human connections.

Unrealistic Expectations & Disappointment: AI,even advanced models,are not sentient. Expecting empathy,genuine understanding,or perfect solutions can lead to frustration and disappointment.The “uncanny valley” effect – where something almost human feels unsettling – can also contribute to negative feelings.

Information Overload & Anxiety: AI tools can generate vast amounts of information quickly. This can be overwhelming, contributing to anxiety and a sense of being constantly “on.” The speed and volume can also make it difficult to discern credible information from misinformation.

Erosion of Critical Thinking: Over-reliance on AI for problem-solving and decision-making can diminish our own critical thinking skills. This can lead to a sense of helplessness and reduced self-efficacy.

Existential Concerns: Interacting with AI that mimics human conversation can trigger existential questions about consciousness,identity,and the future of humanity,potentially leading to anxiety or a sense of meaninglessness.

Algorithmic Bias & Negative Self-Perception: AI models are trained on data, and if that data contains biases, the AI will perpetuate them. This can lead to harmful stereotypes and negative self-perception, particularly when interacting with AI that offers feedback or advice.

Recognizing the Signs: Are You Experiencing AI-Related Stress?

it’s crucial to be self-aware and recognize the signs that AI interactions might be negatively impacting your mental health.

Increased Feelings of Loneliness: Despite frequent AI interactions, you feel more isolated from people.

Difficulty Disconnecting: You find yourself constantly checking or needing to interact with AI, even when it’s not necessary.

Increased Anxiety or Irritability: You feel more anxious, stressed, or irritable after interacting with AI.

Negative Self-Talk: AI interactions trigger negative thoughts about yourself or your abilities.

Sleep Disturbances: You experiance difficulty sleeping due to ruminating about AI interactions or feeling overwhelmed by information.

Reduced Social Engagement: You withdraw from social activities and prefer interacting with AI.

Emotional Numbness: You feel emotionally detached or numb.

Mitigating the Risks: Practical Strategies for Healthy AI Interaction

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to mitigate the psychological risks associated with AI tools.

1. Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits on your AI usage. Schedule specific times for interaction and avoid using AI before bed or during important social events.
2. Maintain Realistic expectations: Remember that AI is a tool, not a person. It cannot provide genuine empathy or replace human connection.
3. Prioritize Human Interaction: Make a conscious effort to nurture your relationships with family and friends. Engage in activities that foster genuine connection and belonging.
4. Cultivate Critical Thinking: Don’t blindly accept information provided by AI. Verify facts, consider different perspectives, and form your own opinions.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Be present in the moment and pay attention to your thoughts and feelings during and after AI interactions.
6. Digital Detox: Regularly disconnect from all digital devices, including those used for AI interaction, to allow your mind to rest and recharge.
7. Seek Professional Help: If you are experiencing important distress or believe that AI interactions are negatively impacting your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. Therapy for AI anxiety is a growing field.
8. Utilize AI for Positive Mental Health Support: Explore AI-powered apps designed for mindfulness, meditation, or mood tracking, but always as a supplement to, not a replacement for, customary mental healthcare.

The Role of AI Developers & Ethical Considerations

Addressing the mental health risks of AI isn’t solely the obligation of users. Developers have a crucial role to play in creating ethical and responsible AI tools.

transparency: AI systems should be obvious about their limitations and biases.

User Control: Users should have control over their interactions with AI and be able to easily opt-out or customize their experience.

Safety Mechanisms: Developers should implement safety mechanisms to prevent AI from providing harmful or misleading information.

* Research & Growth: Continued research is needed to better understand the psychological impact of AI and develop strategies for mitigating potential risks. Google AI is actively involved in this