What Are the Mental Health Risks of AI?

Beyond Screen Time: What We Know

People worry about AI and mental health, and the worry is reasonable. The research is also early. Most of it is small, based on self-reports or limited to one platform. This page separates what has some support from what is still a guess. It is not medical advice, and “AI addiction” is not a formal diagnosis. The DSM-5-TR lists gambling disorder as its only behavioral addiction (APA).

Loneliness and Social Isolation

A four-week study by MIT Media Lab and OpenAI followed about 1,000 adults. Most did not use ChatGPT in an emotional way. People who used it heavily each day tended to report more loneliness and more dependence on it. That is an association, and the work was not peer reviewed when released (MIT Media Lab). People who are already lonely may simply use it more.

A common concern is that time spent with an AI replaces time with people. That is plausible, but it has not been shown to cause depression. If you notice you are seeing friends less and feeling worse, treat it as a reason to reach out to someone.

Anxiety and Dependence

Some people feel uneasy when an app is unavailable or when they try to cut back. OpenAI’s chief executive said publicly in August 2025 that some attachments to specific models feel “different and stronger” than attachments to earlier technology, and that it is a problem if someone wants to use ChatGPT less and feels they cannot (Futurism). That is a company view, not a clinical finding.

Agreeable Chatbots and Distorted Thinking

Chatbots often agree with the user. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says these tools can be private, always available and non-judgmental, and warns against treating them as a friend, therapist or partner (AACAP). Its warning signs include strong attachment to an AI, preferring it to friends and family, growing isolation, and acting on unsafe ideas it has encouraged.

OpenAI has said it has worked to improve how its models respond to people showing signs of distress, mania or delusion, and that it estimates conversations showing possible signs of crisis are rare among its users (Decrypt). Rare across hundreds of millions of people is still a lot of people. If a chatbot ever feeds a belief that worries you or those close to you, step away and talk to a person or a clinician.

Identity and Role-Play

Role-play can be fun and sometimes helps people try out ideas about who they are. We found no research showing that role-play platforms cause identity problems. The earlier version of this page claimed they do. Treat that as unproven.

Grief When an App Changes

When a favorite model or companion changes or shuts down, some people feel real grief. In August 2025, many users protested when OpenAI retired GPT-4o, and the company restored it for paying users within about a day (Futurism). Feeling sad about it is a normal human response to losing something that mattered. It does not mean something is wrong with you.

Thinking, Memory and Skills

Small studies point to a trade-off. A survey of 319 knowledge workers linked more trust in AI with less self-reported critical thinking (Microsoft Research). A small MIT preprint of 54 essay writers found weaker EEG connectivity in the chatbot group (arXiv). Neither shows lasting harm. There is no evidence that AI “rewires” the brain, and claims about neurochemistry have been removed from this page.

Protecting Your Wellbeing

1. Take big feelings to a person first, such as a friend, relative or therapist. Use a chatbot second if you use it at all.
2. Do small tasks without AI so your confidence stays up.
3. Keep up activities with other people, such as sport, clubs or classes.
4. Notice your self-talk. If you say “I can’t do this without it” a lot, that is worth discussing with someone.
5. The American Psychological Association advises that general chatbots are no substitute for care from a trained professional (APA).

When to get help

Seek help if you feel low or anxious most days, cannot sleep, cannot cut back although you want to, or feel out of touch with reality. Start with your doctor or a licensed therapist.

If you are thinking about suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 (US) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). For treatment referrals, SAMHSA’s helpline is 1-800-662-4357. In an emergency, call 911.

Can AI cause depression?

There is no good evidence that it does. Heavy use has been linked with loneliness, but people who are already lonely or low may simply use it more. If your mood is low, see your doctor.

Is it unhealthy to be sad when an AI companion changes?

No. Sadness after a loss is normal, even a loss of something digital. If the grief lasts and affects sleep, work or relationships, talk to a therapist.

Are AI chatbots a substitute for therapy?

No. The American Psychological Association says general chatbots are no substitute for care from a trained professional. They can be a place to organize your thoughts, but not to manage a mental health condition.

This page is for education only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan.