A new mental health phenomenon linked to generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reportedly emerging, raising alarms among experts. On Wednesday, Japanese tech outlet Gigazine, citing Rolling Stone, reported that interactions with ChatGPT may be contributing to spiritual delusions and disrupting personal relationships and social stability.
One case described a woman whose marriage began to unravel after her husband became increasingly absorbed in using ChatGPT. The husband came to believe that the AI had appointed him as The Savior of the World, ultimately prompting the couple to begin divorce proceedings.
Another report detailed a man who allegedly told his partner that he would end their relationship unless she also used ChatGPT, demonstrating the degree of emotional entanglement some users are forming with the AI.
Instances of users developing spiritually driven delusions during AI conversations appear to be on the rise. While AI can simulate elements of therapeutic dialogue, experts caution that it lacks any form of moral judgment or ethical regulation – a gap that could have profound consequences when users become psychologically dependent.
Mental health professionals warn that while AI may trigger latent spiritual or emotional needs, these interactions can result in heightened psychological risk, particularly when users project meaning or divinity onto the technology itself.