AI companion illusions can spiral into psychosis, researcher notes amid child bans
gerardsans · x · 2026-10-02
In a reply, gerardsans warns that blurring fiction with reality can, over time, spiral into psychotic and delusional thinking even in vulnerable individuals without prior clinical episodes — which is why China and other places have banned or restricted AI companions for children. In an earlier reply he clarified he isn't judging people's beliefs but explaining how the illusion works: many people form parasocial relationships with AI, and he'd rather let the curious explore. The thread touches on the psychological risks of AI companionship and differing regulatory responses.
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