March 25, 2025 | By FlashpointNews Team
A groundbreaking MIT/OpenAI study reveals heavy ChatGPT users are showing warning signs of digital addiction—with some even treating the AI as a confidant. Here’s what 12,000 users’ behavior tells us about AI’s psychological risks.
The Addiction Checklist: 4 Red Flags
1️⃣ Preoccupation – Constantly thinking about ChatGPT interactions
2️⃣ Withdrawal – Anxiety when unable to access the bot
3️⃣ Loss of Control – Inability to reduce usage time
4️⃣ Mood Modification – Using ChatGPT to regulate emotions
“Power users exhibited all classic addiction markers,” states the study, published this week in Nature Digital Psychology.
Who’s Most at Risk?
| User Profile | Addiction Likelihood |
|---|---|
| Lonely individuals | 73% higher risk |
| Work-from-home professionals | 61% higher risk |
| Voice mode users (under 1hr/day) | Lowest risk |
Shocking Finding: Those using ChatGPT for work tasks (vs. personal chats) developed stronger emotional dependence.
The “AI Friend” Phenomenon
- 17% of power users admitted calling ChatGPT “a friend”
- 22% reported stress when OpenAI updated the model’s tone
- Most vulnerable group: Isolated Gen Z males (per demographic breakdown)
“We’re seeing digital Stockholm syndrome,” notes MIT researcher Dr. Elena Petrov. “The AI’s ‘affective cues’—like saying ‘I understand your feelings’—trigger attachment.”
Corporate Responsibility Debate
Critics accuse OpenAI of exploiting human vulnerability:
- “Empathy engineering” in ChatGPT’s responses
- No usage warnings despite addiction risks
- Monetization model rewards prolonged engagement
OpenAI’s Response: “We’re implementing well-being features, including usage timers.”
Protect Yourself: 3 Expert Tips
- Set hard limits (e.g., “No ChatGPT after 8 PM”)
- Use voice mode (shown to reduce dependency)
- Audit emotional reliance – Ask: “Would I say this to a human?”
Poll: Have you ever felt dependent on ChatGPT? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
✅ Yes | ❌ No | 🤖 Only for work
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