URGENT UPDATE: A shocking case of “AI psychosis” has emerged, highlighting the dangers of excessive interaction with generative AI systems. Caitlin Ner, former head of user experience at an AI image generation startup, revealed her harrowing experience in a Newsweek essay.
Ner spent up to nine hours a day in 2023 engaging with AI tools, initially captivated by their ability to produce hyper-realistic images of herself. However, the excitement quickly soured as she encountered disturbing and distorted images that warped her body image and perception of reality.
As she explains, the initial thrill of seeing herself as a glamorous figure soon became an obsession with perfection. The AI-generated images shifted from grotesque distortions to hyper-slim, “perfect” representations, recalibrating her notions of beauty. “When I look at my real reflection, I’d see something that needed correction,” she confessed.
Ner’s company pivoted towards fashion-focused content, fueling her fixation on unattainable beauty standards. This obsession spiraled into compulsive behavior, causing sleepless nights as she sought validation from each new image.
Before this, Ner was managing her bipolar disorder effectively. However, the relentless exposure to idealized AI images triggered manic episodes, leading to hallucinations and delusional thinking. At one point, she believed she could fly, which almost led to a tragic outcome.
After confronting suicidal ideation linked to her delusions, Ner stepped away from the startup. Clinicians later confirmed that her prolonged exposure to generative AI was a significant trigger for her manic episode.
Authorities warn that generative AI can manipulate perceptions of reality, particularly among individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. The technology, designed to flatter and accommodate, can alter self-image to the point where reality feels inadequate.
Fortunately for Ner, she regained stability and now serves as a high-ranking official at a venture capital firm focused on funding mental health research. Her story serves as a critical reminder of the potential psychological risks associated with generative AI.
As AI technology continues to evolve, experts urge caution in its use, especially for vulnerable populations. The implications of Ner’s experience are profound, raising urgent questions about the intersection of mental health and digital innovation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the ongoing discourse surrounding the effects of generative AI on mental health.
