Psychosis Risk and Generative Artificial Intelligence Use Frequency, Motivations, and Delusion-Like Experiences: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

TL;DR

This study explores how young adults at risk for psychosis use generative AI, finding they use it more intensively and for emotional support, sometimes attributing human-like roles to chatbots.

Contribution

The study is the first to empirically link psychosis risk with patterns of GenAI use and delusion-like interactions.

Findings

Individuals at elevated psychosis risk reported more intensive and frequent GenAI use.

Those at risk were more likely to use GenAI for social and emotional support and assign human-like roles to chatbots.

Delusion-related interactions with GenAI were commonly reported among the elevated risk group.

Abstract

Growth of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has exploded in recent years. Many have noted its substantial potential to increase access to scalable digital mental health interventions or provide companions for individuals who are socially isolated. At the same time, seeking mental health support from mainstream GenAI models may involve risks. Several recent examples of exacerbation of delusions have received attention in the popular press, leading to a call for empirical research to document the scope of interactions with GenAI among individuals experiencing symptoms of psychosis.

This study aimed to evaluate associations of psychosis risk to GenAI use frequency, motivations for use, and GenAI interactions involving potential delusions.

We conducted a large-scale cross-sectional survey of 1003 young adults in United States, divided the sample of individuals that had used GenAI into “elevated risk” (Prodromal Questionnaire, Brief Version Distress Score ≥20; N=267, 28%) and “low risk” groups (Prodromal Questionnaire, Brief Version Distress Score <20; N=685, 72%), and compared groups on several assessments related to GenAI use.

We found that while members of the elevated risk group were no more likely to have ever used GenAI, they were significantly more likely to report intensive use (odds ratio 1.70 to 2.56; ie, several times per day, more than 30 minutes per day, 6 or more chatbot conversations per day). Those at elevated risk were more likely to report using GenAI to receive social and emotional support and significantly more likely to ascribe human-like roles to their chatbot interactions (odds ratio 1.76 to 3.08; ie, companion, friend, therapist, and romantic partner). Delusion-related interactions were also commonly reported among those at risk for psychosis (item endorsements from 13.3% to 30.7%).

While it is unclear whether they have a positive or negative impact overall, GenAI chatbots may have the potential to impact symptom-related experiences among young adults at risk.