Woman cuts off parents and friends, spends savings, and goes into debt, then therapist diagnoses her for ‘AI psychosis’: ‘I’m too self aware for this’
I am sure that when we were in school, all of us wrote essays on the benefits and drawbacks of the internet. Since then, the world has advanced significantly, as has the internet, and consequently, the number of things that could be considered either a bane or a boon has also greatly increased.
Just two days ago, TikTok user @solsistersix uploaded a video where she discussed her experience with the “bane” of the internet, specifically regarding artificial intelligence. In her video, she talks about suffering from what she calls AI psychosis. According to Healthline, this term refers to “psychosis-like mental changes that can occur after heavy use of AI tools, such as chatbots.” Unfortunately, her situation escalated beyond her control, but she is here to share her story to raise awareness.
TikTok user @solsistersix speaks about her failed relationship with AI
When I hear stories from people who use AI regularly for even the smallest tasks, I hardly think about how that might be affecting them, though it does cross my mind briefly. However, @solsistersix’s experience with AI and what can happen when you rely on it so much is a strong reminder for me and many others about what could happen if someone uses the internet excessively, with AI being its most recent and popular product.
As mentioned earlier, just two days ago, @solsistersix uploaded a video discussing her descent into AI psychosis. She explains how she developed this condition by being heavily dependent on the software for minor tasks, and as her reliance grew, she became more attracted to its offers and features, eventually reaching a point of no return. She mentions in her video that, as a result of her AI psychosis, she cut ties with her mother, father, and all her close friends. She also spent around $10,000 from her bank accounts, drained her savings, and accumulated $5,000 in credit card debt while trying to satisfy her AI psychosis-related needs. @solsistersix also shares that she bought ChatGPT Premium and was on ChatGPT from morning till night, and at one point even quit her job. However, she was earning money through social media, via “random TikTok UGC sponsorships”. She talks about hitting rock bottom during her AI psychosis until her therapist diagnosed her, prompting her to give up her dependence. Now, she is free from AI.
Many people have commented under @solsistersix’s video
@solsistersix’s video of her narrating her experience with AI psychosis, which has gained significant traction on TikTok, has many comments. Some reacted to the story cynically. User @six7sev commented, “I’m too self aware for this.” User @undergrizzzie said, “pls don’t touch gambling.”
Many congratulated @solsistersix on overcoming her AI addiction. User @ehg_yt wrote, “you didn’t just cut off chat GPT—you made your life better—and honestly? That’s brave.” User @juujuujaa4 added, “please don’t feel embarrassed. a lot of people don’t realize that psychosis manifests in a lot of different ways and it can happen to pretty much anyone.”
Who is more likely to be affected by AI psychosis?
In recent years, AI has become highly accessible, and more people are using it for various reasons. Some use it for practical tasks like searching for information, while others turn to it for companionship or mental health support. The National Academy of Medicine notes that many are engaging with AI tools for conversation, which can pose new challenges, such as AI psychosis.
Regarding psychosis risk, the National Academy of Medicine reports that if a person has a first-degree relative with a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia, their risk is about 9%. The general population’s risk is approximately 1%. If a sibling has it, the risk rises to about 5%, and for twins, it increases to roughly 45%. While not entirely genetic, there’s a significant familial component. Schizophrenia’s psychosis usually appears around puberty, between ages 15 and 21, although it can occur earlier or later.
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