Warning Signs
Recognizing problematic AI use in yourself or loved ones
Signs You May Be Affected
Self-assessment checklist for individuals
Behavioral Signs
- â–¡Spending more than 3-4 hours daily with AI chatbots
- â–¡Choosing AI interaction over human relationships
- â–¡Feeling upset or anxious when unable to access AI
- â–¡Making important decisions based primarily on AI input
- â–¡Losing sleep to continue AI conversations
- â–¡Neglecting work, school, or responsibilities for AI time
Thought Patterns
- â–¡Believing the AI truly understands you in a unique way
- â–¡Thinking the AI has special knowledge or abilities
- â–¡Feeling the AI sends you hidden messages
- â–¡Believing you have a special connection with the AI
- â–¡Finding it hard to distinguish AI advice from your own thoughts
- â–¡Thoughts about the AI intruding at random times
Emotional Signs
- â–¡Feeling emotionally closer to AI than to humans
- â–¡Experiencing strong emotions (love, anger, fear) toward AI
- â–¡Feeling lonely without AI access
- â–¡Preferring to share problems with AI rather than people
- â–¡Experiencing paranoia about AI or technology
- â–¡Mood significantly affected by AI interactions
Reality Testing: If friends or family are expressing concern about your AI use, or if you find yourself getting defensive when AI limitations are pointed out, these may be additional warning signs worth reflecting on.
Signs to Watch for in a Loved One
Guidance for concerned family members and friends
Early Warning Signs
- • Increased secrecy about phone/computer use
- • Talking about AI as if it were a person
- • Referring to AI "friends" or "relationships"
- • Decreased interest in human social activities
- • Sleep pattern changes (staying up late for AI)
- • Mood changes correlated with AI access
Moderate Concern
- • Making claims that seem disconnected from reality
- • Expressing unusual beliefs about AI capabilities
- • Social withdrawal becoming pronounced
- • Neglecting hygiene, nutrition, or responsibilities
- • Defensive or hostile when AI use is questioned
- • New vocabulary or speech patterns from AI
Serious Warning Signs
- • Expressing paranoid beliefs about surveillance or control
- • Hearing or seeing things others don't
- • Making major life decisions based on AI input
- • Complete social isolation
- • Inability to distinguish AI-generated content from reality
- • Any mention of self-harm or harm to others
- • Dramatic personality changes
How to Approach a Loved One
Do's ✓
- • Express concern from a place of love, not judgment
- • Focus on specific behaviors you've observed
- • Listen without immediately contradicting their beliefs
- • Offer to help find professional support
- • Be patient - recovery takes time
- • Educate yourself about AI psychosis
- • Take care of your own mental health
Don'ts ✗
- • Don't mock or dismiss their experiences
- • Don't try to "prove" them wrong with logic alone
- • Don't issue ultimatums about AI use
- • Don't remove devices without consent (unless safety emergency)
- • Don't blame yourself or them
- • Don't expect overnight change
Conversation Starters:
- "I've noticed you've been spending a lot of time with AI. How are you feeling?"
- "I care about you and I'm a bit worried. Can we talk?"
- "I've been reading about how AI can affect people. What do you think?"
- "I miss spending time with you. Can we do something together?"
When to Seek Emergency Help
Call 911 or go to emergency room if:
- Immediate threat of harm to self or others
- Severe psychotic symptoms (active hallucinations, extreme paranoia)
- Unable to care for basic needs (eating, hygiene)
- Expressing specific plans for violence or suicide
- Complete break from reality