People are not becoming “AIholic”: Questioning the “ChatGPT addiction” construct

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Version: Final published version
License: CC BY 4.0
Serval ID
serval:BIB_114EC054306C
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
People are not becoming “AIholic”: Questioning the “ChatGPT addiction” construct
Journal
Addictive Behaviors
Author(s)
Ciudad-Fernández Víctor, von Hammerstein Cora, Billieux Joël
ISSN
0306-4603
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2025
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
166
Pages
108325
Language
english
Abstract
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots such as ChatGPT have rapidly gained popularity in many daily life spheres, even sparking scholarly debate about a potential “ChatGPT addiction.” Throughout history, new technologies have repeatedly been associated with widespread concerns and “moral panics,” especially when their adoption is sudden and involves significant changes in daily functioning. It is thus no surprise that researchers have examined whether intensive use of ChatGPT can be considered an addictive behavior. At least four scales measuring ChatGPT addiction have been developed so far, all framed after substance use disorder criteria. Drawing parallels with previous cases of pathologizing everyday behaviors, we caution against labeling and defining intensive or habitual chatbot use as addictive behavior. To label a behavior as addictive, there must be convincing evidence of negative consequences, impaired control, psychological distress, and functional impairment. However, the existing research on problematic use of ChatGPT or other conversational AI bots fails to provide such robust scientific evidence. Caution is thus warranted to avoid (over)pathologization, inappropriate or unnecessary treatments, and excessive regulation of tools that have many benefits when used in a mindful and regulated manner.
Keywords
ChatGPT addiction, Generative large language models, Conversational artificial intelligence, Behavioral addictions
Open Access
Yes
Create date
12/03/2025 13:18
Last modification date
13/03/2025 7:11
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