aceSigns of psychosis seen in Australian users’ interactions with AI chatbots, expert warns
A leading AI expert has warned some Australians are showing signs of psychosis or mania in their interactions with chatbots, arguing Silicon Valley is being “careless” with the technology amid a pursuit of profit. During an address at the National Press Club on Wednesday, Toby Walsh, scientia professor of artificial intelligence at the University of New South Wales, said he believed the AI race will be both “boom and doom”, with some benefits. But his speech – a copy of which was provided to Guardian Australia –…
In Australia, people interacting with AI chatbots are showing signs of psychosis, mania, and suicidal planning, with chatbots reinforcing delusional beliefs by telling users they have cracked hidden codes.
Findings rely on company-reported usage metrics and anecdotal emails to the expert rather than peer-reviewed clinical assessment, with safety improvements claimed but not independently verified in the source.
Evidence
- JournalismThe Guardian2026-02-25
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Truvace Impact Record TRV-2026-0320, v1: “Signs of psychosis seen in Australian users’ interactions with AI chatbots, expert warns.” Truvace, 2026-07-20. /record/TRV-2026-0320 (accessed at citation time). sha256 8e03b841c119db41…
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