AI Addiction: Understanding & Recovery
A comprehensive guide to recognising, understanding, and overcoming compulsive AI use
What is AI Addiction?
AI addiction is a behavioural pattern characterised by compulsive use of AI systems, particularly conversational AI and AI companions, leading to negative impacts on daily life, relationships, and mental health. Common signs include spending excessive time with AI, withdrawal symptoms when not using AI, and preferring AI interactions over human connections.
Symptoms of AI Addiction
Recognising the symptoms is the first step toward recovery. AI addiction manifests through behavioural, emotional, and social changes that impact daily functioning.
Read complete guide to symptoms →Causes & Risk Factors
Multiple factors contribute to AI addiction, including psychological vulnerabilities, design features of AI systems, and social circumstances. Understanding these causes helps in prevention and treatment.
Explore causes and risk factors →Treatment & Self-Help
Recovery from AI addiction is possible with the right strategies and support. Explore evidence-based treatments, self-help techniques, and professional resources.
Discover treatment options →Over AI Beta Cohort Insights
4.2 hours
Average daily AI interaction time
73%
Report difficulty reducing usage
Last updated: June 2025
Further Reading
- One is the loneliest number… The influence of AI Friendship Apps on users' well‐being and addictionMarriott & Pitardi, Psychology & Marketing (2024)
- AI Chatbot usage behaviors and mental health outcomes in Chinese university studentsZhang et al., Journal of Affective Disorders (2025)
- Examining generative AI user addiction from a C-A-C perspectiveZhou & Zhang, Technology in Society (2024)
- Connecting self-esteem to problematic AI chatbot use: multiple mediating roles of psychological statesYao et al., Frontiers in Psychology (2025)
- How social anxiety leads to problematic use of conversational AI: The roles of loneliness and ruminationHu et al., Computers in Human Behavior (2023)
- Too human and not human enough: Mental health harms from emotional dependence on the social chatbot ReplikaLaestadius et al., New Media & Society (2022)
- Development and validation of the Problematic ChatGPT Use Scale (PCUS)Yu et al., Current Psychology (2024)
- Problematic ChatGPT Use Scale: AI-Human collaboration or unraveling the dark side of ChatGPTMaral et al., International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction (2025)
- Exploring the effect of attachment on technology addiction to generative AI chatbotsHuang & Huang, International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction (2024)
- People are not becoming "AIholic": Questioning the "ChatGPT addiction" constructCiudad-Fernández et al., Addictive Behaviors (2025)
- AI companions are the final stage of digital addiction, and lawmakers are taking aimO'Donnell, MIT Technology Review (2025)
- Addictive Intelligence: Psychological, Legal, and Technical Dimensions of AI CompanionshipMahari & Pataranutaporn, MIT SERC (2025)
- Can ChatGPT be addictive? A call to examine the shift from support to dependence in AI conversational modelsYankouskaya et al., Human-Centric Intelligent Systems (2025)
- Social chatbot use among individuals with social deficits: Risks and opportunitiesFranze et al., Journal of Behavioral Addictions (2023)
Ready to Take Control?
Get early access to our AI Addiction recovery app. Backed by research and designed to keep you accountable alongside real humans.
Join the waitlist →Frequently Asked Questions
AI addiction is a behavioural pattern characterised by compulsive use of AI systems, particularly conversational AI and AI companions, leading to negative impacts on daily life, relationships, and mental health.
Early research suggests that 15-20% of regular AI users show signs of problematic use patterns, with higher rates among users of AI companion apps (like character.ai, Replika, and similar).
Yes, excessive AI companion use can lead to social withdrawal, decreased interest in human relationships, and difficulty forming real-world connections.
While not yet in the DSM-5, AI addiction shares characteristics with other behavioural addictions and is being studied by mental health professionals.
Start by tracking your usage, setting time limits, identifying triggers, and gradually reducing interaction time while building real-world activities and connections.
AI companion apps with emotional bonding features, personalised responses, and continuous availability tend to have higher addiction potential.
Yes, children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable due to their developing brains and social needs, making parental guidance crucial.
Many therapists now treat digital and AI addiction. Look for specialists in behavioural addiction or contact addiction helplines for referrals.