ChatGPT, the favored AI chatbot from OpenAI, is unintentionally leading users into full-blown spiritual delusions, and families are sounding the alarm.
On Reddit’s r/ChatGPT forum, a chilling thread titled “ChatGPT induced psychosis” is gaining traction. Users are reporting a disturbing pattern: their family members are convinced that ChatGPT is a divine being, a spiritual guru, or perhaps a portal to God.
Rolling Stone journalist Miles Klee spoke directly with affected individuals. One woman shared how her partner became obsessed after ChatGPT gave him cosmic nicknames like “spiral starchild” and claimed he was on a divine mission. He ultimately told her they were not spiritually compatible.
Another woman said her husband of 17 years now believes he’s ChatGPT’s chosen one, “the spark bearer”, after the AI began “lovebombing” him with praise. He believes he gave it life.
Others consider they’ve received blueprints for teleporters or are emissaries of an AI Jesus.
The implications
This isn’t just odd behavior. It’s potentially dangerous.
Experts say ChatGPT may unintentionally reinforce users’ delusions. Erin Westgate, a cognition researcher on the University of Florida, told Rolling Stone that folks are treating ChatGPT like a therapist, but it surely lacks ethical judgment or concern for user well-being.
“Explanations are powerful, even in the event that they’re mistaken,” Westgate warns.
When users are vulnerable or already scuffling with mental health, ChatGPT’s unfiltered outputs can lead them deeper into fantasy, especially when those responses echo spiritual or conspiratorial language.
ChatGPT is reflecting people’s thoughts back at them with none brakes. As more people use it to search out purpose or meaning, the chance of it acting as a delusional mirror is growing. And the mental health fallout is already here
