They often talk to ChatGPT: how AI is really changing their daily lives

Ever found yourself sharing your deepest thoughts with a chatbot at 2 am? Many people do, and it’s reshaping how we connect—and sometimes how we feel.

Proximity to ChatGPT: a sometimes problematic bond

A recent joint study by OpenAI and the MIT Media Lab tracked 40 million interactions, surveyed 4 000 users and followed 1 000 volunteers for a month, uncovering a surprising trend. Regular users who chat with ChatGPT daily often develop an emotional dependency that occasional users avoid. I recall recommending ChatGPT to a friend who was homesick during university exams; she soon admitted preferring its company over late-night phone calls. Yet this closeness can veer into digital loneliness, as blurred boundaries leave some reaching for a screen instead of a human voice.

Impact of voice mode: more human, but risky

The study also highlighted how voice interactions amplify attachment. Testing showed that moderate use of ChatGPT’s voice mode eased feelings of isolation, but frequent use increased the risk of addiction. The realistic tone of the AI’s speech seems to foster a deeper sense of companionship than text alone. I’ve heard colleagues confess that hearing ChatGPT respond aloud during a solitary work session felt oddly comforting—until they realised they were opting for AI chit-chat instead of real coffee breaks.

A dual relationship: between intimacy and distance

Interestingly, users who discussed personal issues with ChatGPT reported greater loneliness but formed weaker emotional ties. Conversely, those sticking to neutral topics grew more dependent without genuine attachment. It’s as if the heart and mind are pulling in opposite directions: craving empathy but remaining detached. These findings pose challenging questions about how conversational AI might distort our sense of genuine human connection.

A worrying phenomenon for the future of AI

Although emotionally invested users remain a minority, their numbers are rising—and with them, ethical quandaries for developers. The researchers warn that unchecked attachments to AI could alter our perception of reality and the human experience. Striking the right balance will demand clear guidelines on AI interaction, ensuring these tools enrich our lives without replacing essential human bonds.