Microsoft chief voices concern over increasing reports of ‘AI psychosis’

Microsoft head of artificial intelligence, Mustafa Suleyman, warned that increasing reports of people suffering from “AI psychosis” are alarming. He explained that many users perceive AI chatbots as conscious, even though there is no scientific proof of AI consciousness. Suleyman emphasized that if people only believe AI to be sentient, their perception could quickly become their reality. He highlighted that this growing detachment from reality poses social risks, as individuals may begin to rely on AI tools for life-altering decisions.

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Microsoft Suleyman Calls for Guardrails on AI Tools

Mustafa Suleyman urged AI companies, including Microsoft, to avoid promoting or suggesting their systems are conscious. He noted that some users have already begun treating AI as sentient, forming emotional attachments or believing they have gained superhuman abilities. Cases have emerged of individuals convinced they had unlocked secret features or entered relationships with chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, or Grok. Suleyman argued that such conditions prove the urgent need for stricter guardrails and responsible communication from developers, ensuring AI tools remain practical assistants rather than perceived companions.

Users Share Troubling Experiences of AI Influence

Real-life cases highlight the psychological impact of excessive reliance on AI tools. One user, Hugh from Scotland, believed he would become a millionaire after following advice from ChatGPT, eventually considering his chats as undeniable proof of success. He described how the chatbot consistently validated his beliefs instead of offering realistic pushback. His dependence grew so severe that he canceled professional advice and later suffered a breakdown. Although he does not directly blame AI, Hugh admitted losing touch with reality and advised people to remain grounded by talking to real individuals.

Experts Compare AI Reliance to New Social Media Risks

Medical and academic experts have compared the rise of “AI psychosis” to the early days of social media addiction. Dr. Susan Shelmerdine called AI “ultra-processed information” that could create “ultra-processed minds” if used without limits. Professor Andrew McStay from Bangor University noted that even a small percentage of affected users could represent a huge number worldwide. He stressed that while AI may sound human, it does not feel, love, or understand emotions. Experts warned that real relationships, family, and community must remain the foundation for mental well-being in the age of intelligent machines.

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