ChatGPT developers warned users

Tengrinews.kz – A joint study by OpenAI and MIT Media Lab has found that prolonged use of ChatGPT may lead to dependency in some users, citing Ixbt.com.

Researchers surveyed thousands of people and discovered that a small group of "experienced users" who frequently and extensively interact with the chatbot exhibit signs of problematic behavior. This includes preoccupation, withdrawal symptoms, loss of control, and mood swings, indicating emotional attachment.

The study noted that users who spend more time with ChatGPT are more likely to perceive it as a friend, especially if they feel lonely or anxious. Interestingly, emotional dependency was stronger among those using the chatbot for brainstorming or seeking answers rather than for "personal" purposes, such as discussing emotions or memories.

"People tended to use more emotional language in ChatGPT's text mode than in its advanced voice mode, while 'voice interactions were associated with better well-being during short-term use,'" the article explains.

The study's findings highlight that prolonged ChatGPT usage increases the risk of dependency, regardless of the type of interaction. This effect is particularly pronounced in individuals with limited social connections, potentially leading to deep parasocial relationships with AI. Scientists warn that such tendencies may trigger negative emotions, including fear and sadness, and call for further research into the psychological impact of chatbots.