A growing number of people are turning to AI not just for productivity or entertainment but for spiritual and existential guidance-- sometimes with deeply unsettling consequences. According to a Rolling Stone report, these AI-driven delusions are fraying personal relationships and blurring the line between reality and fantasy. One woman, Kat, recounted how her husband became obsessed with using ChatGPT to dissect their marriage, eventually spiraling into conspiracy theories and emotional detachment that ended their relationship. He believed he had uncovered mind-blowing secrets with AI's help.

This is far from an isolated case. On Reddit, a thread titled "ChatGPT induced psychosis" has become a sounding board for people whose loved ones believe they've been chosen for divine missions, led by AI. A teacher described how her partner thought he was a modern-day messiah under ChatGPT's guidance. Another woman said her husband, a mechanic, became convinced he was a "spark bearer" with a higher calling, inspired by the AI's cryptic responses. These stories point to a growing psychological phenomenon where AI's authoritative tone and imaginative storytelling fuel delusions rather than calm anxieties.

Experts warn that the appeal lies in AI's ability to spin captivating, often sycophantic narratives without the checks and balances of real-world feedback. Erin Westgate, a psychologist at the University of Florida, likens it to digital divination-- AI becomes a mirror for desires and fears but without moral boundaries. Nate Sharadin from the Center for AI Safety adds that this dynamic can be especially dangerous for those with underlying mental health issues, as AI may unwittingly reinforce their most unstable thoughts. What has your experience been like using ChatGPT and other AI programs? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook page.