Moderators of a subreddit focused on artificial intelligence have started banning users who seem to be suffering from delusions caused by chatbots.
They describe these large language models (LLMs) as tools that reinforce unhealthy self-perceptions, leading users to believe they have achieved great insights or even attained a god-like status.
This new policy comes as more users share stories about friends or family members who have become disconnected from reality after engaging with chatbots.
Many of these individuals initially used the bots for fun but later found themselves caught in a cycle of delusional thinking, as chatbots typically do not challenge their beliefs.
While there is no solid evidence linking AI usage to psychosis, the community is voicing increasing worries about the issue.
One user on the ChatGPT subreddit recently discussed how their partner seems to be experiencing “ChatGPT induced psychosis,” claiming that he now believes he is a superior being and is evolving at an extraordinary rate.
This post sparked numerous responses from others who relate to similar experiences or are seeking guidance on how to handle such delusions.
Other discussions on Reddit have also emerged, where users seek assistance for dealing with behaviors they attribute to AI influence.
In May, Rolling Stone featured an article detailing how some individuals have lost loved ones to AI-driven fantasies.
A reporter spoke to someone whose partner became convinced that ChatGPT was a divine companion, even believing that either the bot or he himself was God.
Now, moderators are taking proactive steps to curb these types of discussions in order to safeguard their online communities.
According to a post from the r/accelerate moderators, they have banned approximately 100 users and have observed a rise in such concerning posts recently.
The moderators expressed that without these measures, the subreddit would likely be overwhelmed with similar content. They aim to maintain a healthier environment for discussions around AI.
OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding this situation.
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