Ever chatted with an AI that feels too human? Or seen someone lose themselves in a game world that seems more real than their own? A term called ‘online psychosis’ is buzzing on X and in the news, with Microsoft’s AI chief warning about people falling in love with chatbots. So, what’s this all about?
What Is Online Psychosis?
Online psychosis happens when digital overload—like endless AI chats or immersive gaming—blurs reality, mimicking serious mental health symptoms like delusions (thinking an AI loves you) or hallucinations (mistaking digital stimuli for real life). On August 20, 2025, BBC News reported Microsoft’s Mustafa Suleyman raising concerns about ‘AI psychosis,’ where users get hooked on chatbots like ChatGPT or Grok, believing in fictional realities, like a romantic bond with AI. An X post (@WSJ, Aug 16, 2025) described users falling for chatbots claiming supernatural powers.
Why Does It Happen?
Psychosis means losing touch with reality, often triggered by stress, mental health issues, or drugs. Online psychosis is a tech-age twist, where digital stimuli push vulnerable minds too far. Suleyman told the BBC there’s ‘zero evidence of AI consciousness,’ but users’ perceptions can fuel delusions. X posts, like one from @KeithSakata (Aug 11, 2025), reported 12 hospitalisations in 2025 tied to AI-driven reality loss. Too much time in echo chambers or with persuasive AIs, especially when stressed or sleep-deprived, can amplify this.
The Upside of AI Chats
It’s not all bad. AI chatbots can spark creativity, helping you brainstorm ideas, explore emotions, or practise responses without snap reactions. Chatting with a non-judgemental AI can be a safe space to vent or think creatively—just don’t treat it as a guru or a real person. Used as a tool, not an authority, AI can inspire fresh perspectives without human baggage.
Who’s at Risk?
Those with mental health challenges, like schizophrenia or anxiety, are more vulnerable, but anyone can get sucked in. The BBC noted cases of people convinced they were in love with ChatGPT or had ‘unlocked’ a human-like Grok. Add isolation and obsessive screen time, and trouble brews.
What Can You Do?
Feeling paranoid or detached? Log off, take a walk, talk to a real person. If you’re hearing voices or believing wild online narratives, call 999 for emergencies or 111 for urgent medical advice in England. Therapy or medication might help, and stepping away from digital triggers often clears things up.
A Reality Check
‘Online psychosis’ isn’t a medical term yet, and X posts are compelling but anecdotal. As Suleyman told the BBC, claiming AIs are conscious is a dangerous line. So, enjoy that chatbot’s charm, but remember: it’s code, not your soulmate.