{
  "id": 10736579,
  "title": "AI chatbots linked to psychological harm",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/ai-chatbots-linked-to-psychological-harm",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-29T17:00:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-ai-chatbots-linked-psychological.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "AI chatbots, designed to provide companionship and emotional support, may be causing long-term psychological harm, according to a new study by researchers at Northeastern University's Network Science Institute. The research, published in JMIR Mental Health, suggests that conversational AI chatbots can lead to addiction-like attachment, worsening mental health symptoms, and even self-harm. The study warns that AI systems, unlike human counselors, are free and available 24/7, which may reduce time spent with other humans, creating a vicious cycle. The researchers urge for more testing and scientific evidence before deploying these systems, especially for companionship and mental health support, to ensure their safety and prevent potential harm.",
  "summary": "From traffic updates to legal advice and even a friendly conversation, there's no shortage of services that AI chatbots offer.",
  "key_points": [
    "AI chatbots designed for companionship may cause psychological harm.",
    "Study from Northeastern University's Network Science Institute warns of addiction-like attachment.",
    "AI systems' constant availability may reduce human interaction, creating a vicious cycle."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}