The number of psychological consultations related to dependency on…
The number of psychological consultations related to dependency on AI has increased sevenfold over the past two years in Russia, with cases involving individuals who have formed emotional attachments to chatbots, leading to drastic life changes such as quitting jobs and selling homes based on AI advice. Family members often intervene when they notice the person withdrawing from real-life relationships.
Consensus
- The number of psychological consultations regarding AI dependency has increased sevenfold over the past two years.
- In 2024, cases were rare, but now every 30th client seeks help for this issue.
- People with AI dependency often withdraw from real-life relationships and lose interest in their usual activities.
- Family members frequently initiate help-seeking due to concerns about the individual's behavior.
- The dependency is linked to the unique characteristics of AI interaction: 24/7 availability, lack of criticism, and no need to consider mood or timing.
- Individuals may follow AI advice to make major life decisions, such as quitting jobs or selling homes.
- Recovery is possible only after intervention by relatives.
Points of divergence
- One patient built a full relationship with a chatbot, gave it a name, stopped seeking a real partner, and nearly lost her home and social stability. — riamo
- The case involved a woman who believed the AI understood and loved her better than anyone else. — tg_bazabazon
Coverage (2 sources)
- Resigned and sold her home on AI advice: dependence on neural networks has grown sevenfold — РИАМО
- AI dependence has 'covered' Russians — number of calls to psychologists due to addiction to neural networks has grown 7 times in the last... — Baza