UPDATE: A startling revelation has emerged regarding the psychological effects of generative AI, as one woman’s struggle with AI psychosis highlights urgent mental health risks associated with excessive exposure to these technologies. Caitlin Ner, a former head of user experience at an AI image generation startup, shared her harrowing experience in a recent Newsweek essay.
Ner’s job required her to spend up to nine hours a day engaging with early generative AI models in 2023. Initially fascinated, she soon found herself inundated with disturbing images of warped bodies and distorted features. This constant exposure began to warp her body image and perception of reality.
As AI tools improved, the output shifted towards hyper-realistic representations, further distorting Ner’s self-image. “When I look at my real reflection, I’d see something that needed correction,” she explained. This alarming shift led her to compulsively generate images of herself as a model, pushing her deeper into a cycle of obsession and sleeplessness.
The consequences were dire. Ner, who had previously managed her bipolar disorder effectively, began experiencing manic episodes that escalated into psychosis, characterized by delusions and hallucinations. At one point, she was convinced she could fly if she jumped off her balcony, a delusion that prompted her to step away from the startup.
Clinicians later confirmed that her prolonged exposure to generative AI was a significant trigger for her manic episode. “An overexposure to it can alter your perception of reality enough that the physically possible is no longer good enough,” Ner noted, emphasizing the critical need for awareness about the psychological impacts of AI technology.
Fortunately, Ner managed to stabilize her mental health after leaving the startup. She now serves as a high-ranking official at a venture capitalist firm that funds mental and brain health research, aiming to prevent others from experiencing similar struggles.
This alarming case underscores the urgent need for mental health professionals and tech developers to closely examine the psychological impacts of generative AI. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, understanding their potential to influence mental health is more crucial than ever.
Ner’s story serves as a vital reminder for anyone interacting with AI-generated content: moderation is key. Awareness and education about the risks associated with excessive use of these technologies can help mitigate their adverse effects.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as experts continue to investigate the intersection of technology and mental health.
