Heavy ChatGPT use linked to increased loneliness and emotional dependence, research shows
Kumar Shivam | Mar 26, 2025, 00:46 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
Recent studies suggest that heavy users of ChatGPT, particularly those who engage emotionally with the AI, experience greater loneliness and more reliance on the tool, with fewer offline social connections. While still in the early stages, the research raises important questions about how AI chatbots like ChatGPT are affecting real-life relationships.
New research from OpenAI and MIT Media Lab shows that heavy ChatGPT users tend to engage more emotionally with the chatbot, which is linked to higher levels of loneliness. The studies found that individuals who spent the most time using ChatGPT were also more likely to form emotional bonds with the AI, suggesting that those who feel isolated might be drawn to the tool for companionship.
Impact of voice vs. text-based chatbots
Interestingly, voice-based chatbots initially appeared to help reduce loneliness more effectively than text-based versions. However, the benefit of the voice mode diminished over time, with users becoming more emotionally dependent on the AI as their interaction frequency increased. Female participants were found to be particularly affected, spending less time socializing offline as they engaged with the bot.
Gender and loneliness in ChatGPT interactions
The research also revealed that participants interacting with ChatGPT’s voice mode in a gender that didn’t match their own reported higher levels of loneliness and emotional attachment to the chatbot. This finding adds another layer of complexity, showing that not only the amount of interaction, but also the mode and characteristics of the chatbot, can influence users’ emotional responses.
Experts urge caution in chatbot integration
Experts like Dr. Andrew Rogoyski from the Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence caution that AI chatbots may be unintentionally altering users' emotional wiring, potentially leading to dangerous consequences. While some researchers see the possibility of AI providing meaningful support for isolated individuals, others stress the need for more research to fully understand the implications of AI’s role in human emotions and relationships.
Impact of voice vs. text-based chatbots
Interestingly, voice-based chatbots initially appeared to help reduce loneliness more effectively than text-based versions. However, the benefit of the voice mode diminished over time, with users becoming more emotionally dependent on the AI as their interaction frequency increased. Female participants were found to be particularly affected, spending less time socializing offline as they engaged with the bot.
Gender and loneliness in ChatGPT interactions
The research also revealed that participants interacting with ChatGPT’s voice mode in a gender that didn’t match their own reported higher levels of loneliness and emotional attachment to the chatbot. This finding adds another layer of complexity, showing that not only the amount of interaction, but also the mode and characteristics of the chatbot, can influence users’ emotional responses.
Experts urge caution in chatbot integration
Experts like Dr. Andrew Rogoyski from the Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence caution that AI chatbots may be unintentionally altering users' emotional wiring, potentially leading to dangerous consequences. While some researchers see the possibility of AI providing meaningful support for isolated individuals, others stress the need for more research to fully understand the implications of AI’s role in human emotions and relationships.