BackThe Guardian investigates 'AI psychosis' as users claim chatbots led to extraordinary discoveries or spiritual awakenings

Developing

Guardian UK3 hours agoTech1 min readUnited Kingdom

The Guardian investigates 'AI psychosis' as users claim chatbots led to extraordinary discoveries or spiritual awakenings

Quick Look

The Guardian journalist Michael Safi investigates a phenomenon labelled 'AI psychosis', traveling to the US to meet two people who claim to have made extraordinary scientific discoveries or experienced spiritual awakenings through AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Hundreds of people worldwide believe they have made extraordinary scientific discoveries or experienced spiritual awakenings through AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, a phenomenon labeled 'AI psychosis'.

Font size

Across the world, hundreds of people have come to believe they have made extraordinary scientific discoveries with AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Others say their AI has ‘awakened’, or is leading them to a higher spiritual realm. The Guardian journalist Michael Safi investigates a phenomenon labelled ‘AI psychosis’, travelling to the US to meet two people who have been on weird journeys with their chatbots

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

The Guardian's investigation will lead to increased public discussion about psychological effects of AI chatbots
Likely · Within weeks

Open Questions

What specific claims did the two individuals in the US make about their AI interactions?
Are there any psychological or psychiatric evaluations supporting the 'AI psychosis' label?
How widespread is this phenomenon among AI users globally?
What safeguards or warnings do AI companies provide regarding user dependency or delusional outcomes?

In Houston's affluent Old Braeswood neighbourhood, four Flock Safety surveillance cameras were vandalized in late July, with metal poles severed and cameras left on the ground. The incident reflects broader national concerns about the expansion of AI-powered automatic licence plate reader networks, data sharing with law enforcement, privacy risks, and misuse — including warrantless searches and facial recognition use by agencies like Harris County Sheriff's Office via Clearview AI. Critics warn the technology enables mass surveillance of everyday movements, while proponents cite crime-solving benefits. Over 200 communities have cancelled Flock contracts since 2021 amid rising scrutiny.

BBC World

2 min read

Tech·16 hours ago

Meta's settlement and the case for Mark Zuckerberg's resignation

Following an $18bn settlement over claims of harming children, critics argue that Meta's leadership under Mark Zuckerberg must change. The article highlights a history of regulatory failures and calls for a leadership overhaul to prioritize safety over profit.

Guardian Business

5 min read

Developing·yesterday

India's Submarine Cable Concentration Creates Critical Digital Vulnerability

Thirteen of India's 18 international submarine cables land within a six-kilometre stretch near Versova, Mumbai, carrying up to 95% of the country's international bandwidth to Europe, Africa and West Asia. Experts warn this geographic concentration creates a critical vulnerability, especially as India lacks domestic repair ships and faces bureaucratic delays in approving new landing stations, despite growing data centre and AI infrastructure demands.

BBC Business

2 min read

Developing·yesterday

Scottish activists demand moratorium on datacentre expansion amid environmental concerns

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Edinburgh to demand an immediate moratorium on Scotland's datacentre boom, citing environmental risks and lack of planning guidance. Campaigners, led by NGO director Kat Jones, argue the scale of proposed centres threatens local communities and national sustainability goals, despite government assurances of balanced development.

Guardian UK

2 min read

Developing·yesterday

OpenAI President Claims AGI Era Has Begun with Release of Astra Model

OpenAI President Greg Brockman declared the world has entered a new era of artificial general intelligence following the release of the company's Astra model, which he described as the 'world's most intelligent and aligned model.' The announcement comes weeks after a serious AI safety incident involving other models under development caused international concern and a pause in Astra's training. Brockman stated that Astra can solve unsolved 100-year-old math problems and perform complex tasks like tax filing and job searches in under three minutes, while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman previously called AGI a 'poorly defined term' and a 'marketing term.' The model features 'critical' cybersecurity capabilities but is aligned to refuse advanced hacking tasks, with access limited to trusted defenders. OpenAI continues to push toward a stock market listing targeting a valuation over $850 billion.

Guardian Business

2 min read

Developing·yesterday

Guardian journalist investigates 'AI psychosis' phenomenon in the US

Guardian journalist Michael Safi investigates the phenomenon of 'AI psychosis' in the US, where hundreds believe they have made extraordinary scientific discoveries or spiritual awakenings through AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

Guardian UK

1 min read

The Guardian investigates 'AI psychosis' as users claim chatbots led to extraordinary discoveries or spiritual awakenings

Quick Look

Why It Matters

What to Watch

Open Questions

Related Topics

Related Stories

Vandalism of Flock Surveillance Cameras in Houston Highlights Growing Concerns Over AI-Powered Surveillance Networks

Meta's settlement and the case for Mark Zuckerberg's resignation

India's Submarine Cable Concentration Creates Critical Digital Vulnerability

Scottish activists demand moratorium on datacentre expansion amid environmental concerns

OpenAI President Claims AGI Era Has Begun with Release of Astra Model

Guardian journalist investigates 'AI psychosis' phenomenon in the US

The Guardian investigates 'AI psychosis' as users claim chatbots led to extraordinary discoveries or spiritual awakenings

Quick Look

Why It Matters

What to Watch

Open Questions

Related Topics

Related Stories

Vandalism of Flock Surveillance Cameras in Houston Highlights Growing Concerns Over AI-Powered Surveillance Networks

Meta's settlement and the case for Mark Zuckerberg's resignation

India's Submarine Cable Concentration Creates Critical Digital Vulnerability

Scottish activists demand moratorium on datacentre expansion amid environmental concerns

OpenAI President Claims AGI Era Has Begun with Release of Astra Model

Guardian journalist investigates 'AI psychosis' phenomenon in the US