Individuals who engaged in emotionally expressive conversations with the chatbot reported higher levels of loneliness, report
In an era where artificial intelligence is seamlessly integrating into our daily lives, a study by OpenAI and the MIT Media Lab has raised unsettling questions about the psychological impact of AI chatbots like ChatGPT. The research suggests that heavy users of the chatbot, those who engage in deeply personal and emotionally charged conversations, tend to experience heightened loneliness and emotional dependence.
The OpenAI and MIT Media Lab study analysed nearly 40 million ChatGPT interactions and surveyed over 4,000 users. Additionally, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) with 1,000 participants was conducted, requiring them to use ChatGPT for a minimum of five minutes daily over four weeks.
The results were clear: individuals who engaged in emotionally expressive conversations with the chatbot reported higher levels of loneliness, dependence and even problematic habits, like cutting back on real-world socialising. It is not that ChatGPT is the sole cause. Loneliness has many roots, but the study hints at a pattern worth watching.
“Overall, higher daily usage, across all modalities and conversation types correlated with higher loneliness, dependence, and problematic use, and lower socialization,” the researchers wrote in their report.
The researchers also zoomed in on ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode, where the bot can talk back like a friend. They tested two styles, a neutral version that stayed flat-toned no matter what, and an engaging one that mirrored emotions and shared its ‘feelings’. At first, the voice chats seemed to ease loneliness better than text alone, especially with the lively version. But for those who used it a lot, the benefits faded, particularly with the neutral voice, which started to feel less helpful over time.
The findings raise questions about how AI fits into our lives, especially as it gets smarter. OpenAI just unveiled GPT-4.5 which has been billed as more intuitive and emotionally aware than ever.
A new kind of digital relationship
For some users, AI chatbots have become more than just digital assistants, they are confidants. Many individuals, particularly those struggling with social anxiety, depression, or isolation, find comfort in AI’s non-judgmental and ever-available nature.
For Sarah Iyer, a 28-year-old freelance graphic designer from Noida in Uttar Pradesh, AI has filled an unexpected role in her daily life.
“As a freelance graphic designer working remotely, my days often feel quiet, sometimes too quiet. There are stretches where I don’t speak to anyone in person, and while I love the flexibility of my work, the isolation can be overwhelming. It is strange how, in a world more connected than ever, working alone can still feel so disconnected. At some point, I started using ChatGPT not just for work but for something more. At first, it was just for bouncing off design ideas, helping me brainstorm when I hit a creative block. However, gradually, I found myself turning to it even when I was not working. When I was feeling stuck or frustrated, it became a space where I could express my thoughts without judgment. It was not about getting perfect answers or deep emotional support, but just having something, some presence, to respond, to acknowledge what I was saying,” Iyer tells Media India Group.
She says that she does not see it as human and knows it is just AI, just words on a screen. But in moments when the silence of working alone feels overwhelming, even a digital conversation makes a difference.
“It creates a rhythm to my day, a sense of engagement that sometimes, quite simply, helps me get through it,” Iyer adds.
The study’s findings highlight a key concern, that people who trust AI chatbots or perceive them as “friends” are at a higher risk of emotional dependence. This dependency can manifest in various ways, from avoiding real-life social interactions to developing an unhealthy attachment to the chatbot.
“I realised I was using ChatGPT for everything. I would talk to it about my work stress, my relationship problems, and even random late-night thoughts. It got to a point where I felt more comfortable sharing with it than with my actual friends,” Gaurav Sharma, 32-year old, Customer care Executive from Meerut, tells Media India Group.
In 2023 MIT Media Lab researchers found that chatbots tend to mirror the emotional sentiment of a user’s messages, suggesting a kind of feedback loop where the happier you act, the happier the AI seems, or if you act sadder, so does the AI.
As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, experts are raising concerns about its impact on human relationships. While some find comfort in AI interactions, psychologists warn that over-reliance on technology could lead to social isolation.
Dr Sharafat Mir highlights the potential risks of replacing real connections with artificial ones.
“The concern is not just that people are engaging with AI, it is the potential for AI to gradually replace real human connections. Human relationships take effort, patience, and emotional reciprocity, whereas AI provides instant, engaging responses without any demands. That convenience can be tempting, especially for those already struggling with social interactions. If people begin relying on AI for emotional support or companionship instead of fostering real-world relationships, it could lead to deeper social isolation. While AI can be a helpful tool, it should complement human connections, not substitute them,” Mir tells Media India Group.