What risk is linked to frequent chatbot use?
A growing number of people turn to AI chatbots like ChatGPT for comfort, advice — and even companionship. But new research suggests this virtual closeness comes at a cost.
A joint study by MIT and OpenAI found that frequent interaction with chatbots is closely linked to feelings of loneliness and emotional dependency. Over four weeks, researchers observed that daily chatbot users were more likely to withdraw from real-world social interactions and feel a stronger emotional attachment to the AI itself.
This doesn’t mean chatbots are harmful by nature. For some, they offer genuine emotional support. But the findings raise important questions:
Are we replacing human connection with algorithms? And what happens when the line between assistance and dependency begins to blur?
As AI companions become more advanced and emotionally responsive, experts call for ethical guidelines and protective measures — especially for vulnerable users.
