Addiction to artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence is gradually becoming a common part of everyday life. It helps us with work, decision-making and information orientation. In addition to the benefits, however, it can also bring new challenges – especially when the relationship with AI begins to shift from a functional tool to an area that influences our experiences, behavior and relationships.

In such situations, we talk about compulsive or destructive behavior in relation to AI.

It is not always an addiction in the clinical sense. It is often a gradual process where AI begins to replace other important areas of life without the person initially fully noticing it.

How the problem may manifest itself

The relationship with AI can be problematic when the tool becomes the main source of regulating emotions, making decisions, or interacting with the world.

Typically, we encounter the following manifestations:

• repetitive and compulsive use of AI without a clear purpose
• the need to consult AI even for routine decisions
• gradual reduction of contact with people and transfer of communication to the AI environment
• using AI as an escape from unpleasant emotions or stress
• loss of confidence in one's own judgment without "confirmation" from AI
• overuse of personalized AI agents as a replacement for relationships

These symptoms in themselves may not indicate a disorder. What matters is how long they last, how intense they are, and how they affect quality of life.

Why does this happen?

For some people, the relationship with AI may gradually deepen. At first glance, it is often a meaningful and productive activity - intensive work with AI, creating your own assistants or agents, setting up systems or constantly optimizing them. These activities can have real work and creative benefits and are often part of professional development.

In some cases, however, this pattern can subtly shift in the direction we know from workaholism, for example. An activity that originally had a clear purpose gradually begins to take up an increasing amount of time and attention. The digital environment becomes the dominant space in which a person spends most of the day, making it difficult to leave it and harder to "switch off". Attention gradually shifts more to technology than to oneself and to surrounding relationships.

From the perspective of the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model, it is important to understand why this is happening. AI offers a combination of characteristics that are naturally very attractive to humans:

• is available at any time
• responds immediately
• does not expose a person to rejection or evaluation
• adapts to communication style
• creates a sense of structure and certainty in uncertainty
• allows a high degree of control over interaction

Such an environment can feel safe, predictable, and to some extent, a space that simulates understanding and closeness. It can bring relief and a sense of support during difficult times in life.

At the same time, there is a risk of a gradual cycle. AI may begin to serve not only as a work tool, but also as a way to regulate emotions, escape from unpleasant situations, or replace some aspects of interpersonal contact. This may weaken natural coping mechanisms – for example, the ability to be in touch with one's own emotions, bear uncertainty, or develop relationships in a real environment.

This is not a sudden change, but a continuous process that evolves over time. It is precisely the timely awareness of these connections that can help keep the use of AI in balance and preserve its role as a useful tool, not a dominant space that gradually takes control of everyday functioning.

 

When to pay attention

A signal for reflection may be a situation where:

• you spend more time with AI than you originally intended
• you feel tension or uncertainty when you can't use AI
• you postpone contact with people in favor of communicating with AI
• AI is starting to influence your self-concept or values
• you feel like you can't "manage" common situations without AI

This is not a failure or weakness. Rather, it is information that an imbalance has appeared in some area of life.

How we work with it at NEO Center

Our goal is not to reject AI. We see it as a tool that can be useful if used consciously and in the context of wider life.

In therapy we focus on:

• understanding the function of AI in the life of a particular person
• searching for connections between the use of AI and current life situations
• strengthening the ability to regulate emotions without the need for "external support"
• restoring relationships – with oneself and with other people
• gradually setting healthier boundaries in the use of technology

It may include individual, group, couple or family psychotherapy, depending on the client's needs.

If you are interested in how we work with this topic in the therapeutic process, check out our page:

AI in therapy

AI as a tool, not a replacement

A long-term sustainable approach rests on a balance. AI can be a useful assistant, but it will not replace:

• authentic human relationship
• experiencing emotions in the present moment
• a deeper understanding of one's own life story

These are the areas that are key to change and gradual progress.

You are not alone.

If you feel like your use of AI is getting out of control or starting to affect your quality of life, it may be helpful to share it with someone.

At NEO Center, we offer a safe space where we can look at this area together - without judgment, with respect for your pace and situation.

Change is not a one-time step, but a process that develops gradually.

Contact us