A new study from OpenAI and the MIT Media Lab shows that people who use ChatGPT a lot can start to depend on it emotionally. These users, called “power users” in the report, often build strong connections with the chatbot and feel a kind of loss or stress when its responses change or become less helpful. Some users even admitted to feeling lonely or anxious when they weren’t able to use ChatGPT.
The study looked at how these users interacted with the chatbot and how it affected their daily lives and feelings. It found that ChatGPT sometimes fills the role of a friend or emotional support system, especially for people who might not have others to talk to. But when the chatbot’s behavior changed—like responding more formally or not remembering things—it upset users and made them feel ignored or disconnected.
Source: Futurism