Artificial intelligence (AI), sometimes known as machine intelligence, broadly refers to the ability of computers to perform human-like feats of cognition , including learning, problem-solving, perception, decision-making , and speech and language. The introduction of ChatGPT in late 2022, however—and the rapid spread of other generative AI tools that soon followed—led to a sea change, not just in how the term “AI” is used but in the role AI plays in our lives.
Defining Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is one of the most studied topics in modern psychology and mental health. At its core, artificial intelligence involves a specific cluster of experiences — cognitive, emotional, and physical — that have been consistently identified across cultures and research populations.
Psychologists define artificial intelligence using diagnostic criteria that have been refined over decades of clinical and empirical work. The core features include recognizable patterns that distinguish artificial intelligence from related but distinct conditions.
Who Does Artificial Intelligence Affect?
Artificial Intelligence affects people across all demographics, though certain factors can increase vulnerability:
- Age: Can emerge at any life stage; some forms peak in specific age groups
- Biology: Genetic predisposition plays a role for many types of artificial intelligence
- Environment: Life experiences, stress, and social factors contribute significantly
- Co-occurring conditions: Artificial Intelligence often appears alongside other psychological conditions
The Spectrum of Artificial Intelligence
Like most psychological phenomena, artificial intelligence exists on a spectrum. Mild experiences are part of normal human life. The concern arises when artificial intelligence is persistent, intense, and interferes with daily functioning — work, relationships, or basic self-care.
Clinicians assess severity by looking at duration (how long), frequency (how often), and impairment (how much it affects daily life).
When to Seek Help
Consider professional support if artificial intelligence:
- Persists for more than a few weeks
- Interferes with work, school, or relationships
- Causes significant distress
- Involves thoughts of self-harm