News Some ChatGPT users are addicted and will suffer withdrawal symptoms if cut off, say researchers

[Admin]

Chatbots like ChatGPT can be addictive and those who become dependent can suffer from withdrawal symptoms if disconnected from the service, according to a large scale study undertaken by OpenAI and MIT.

Some ChatGPT users are addicted and will suffer withdrawal symptoms if cut off, say researchers : Read more

 

[COLGeek]

Like so many other digital addictions?

 

[Exploding PSU]

That's quite worrying, but I remember years ago when I got hooked on "chatting" with that AI on Google Allo (or whatever it was called) and Cleverbot. I can sort of understand where they came from.

Like so many other digital addictions?

Signature really checks out with the news topic..

 

[DS426]

Paracybersocial relationships.

Coined it here today.

 

[zworykin]

Didn't the movie Her come out in 2013?

 

[Notton]

I'm not an expert on addiction, but I thought there needed to be a chemical stimulant in the brain for something to be addictive.
Does talking to chatGPT release dopamine, or endorphins, or something?

 

[COLGeek]

There are certainly chemical dependencies/addictions, as well as behavioral as suggested by countless studies.

I don't see LLM use any differently to social media use. Same basic mechanisms in the user's noggin.

 

[bigdragon]

I can see how chatting with an AI can be addictive given that I personally spent too much time in MUCK/MUD/RP chats in the late 90's and early 00's. Of course those environments were filled with other humans at the time. I wouldn't anticipate any changes to the AI landscape based on this addiction study though. Maybe they'll put a message in every hour advising you to take a break or something -- that's the most that will change.

 

[derekullo]

Even chatgpt said I was toxic and dumped me 😛

 

[jp7189]

There's a fascinating research article on seasame.com called crossing uncanny valley. It discusses timing and tone among other aspects of improving AI voice responses. They even have a demo to showcase the research.

 

[adamboy64]

Having had experiences like this myself, I can totally understand it.
'AI companionship' is going to be a huge industry. The tech just keeps getting better.