Study: AI companions may carry serious negative psychological consequences

Sep 28, 2026 · Issue 9 · 6 sources, 6 articles

Northeastern researchers reported in a peer-reviewed study that companion chatbots of the Replika and Character.ai type are linked to dependency-like attachment and worsening symptoms. The study by Teixeira associates use for emotional companionship and mental-health support with 'severe negative outcomes'.

Who is affected and how

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Keep an eye on young people's use of companion chatbots, as attachment can become dependency-like.

Narrative: AI companions deepen loneliness

Sources

• AI Chatbots Linked to Psychological Harm, Study Findsnews.northeastern.edu · Sep 28, 2026
• AI Chatbots Such as ChatGPT Give Unreliable Verdicts on Psychological Test Fairness, Study Finds | Psychregpsychreg.org · Sep 28, 2026
• AI Chatbots Linked to Psychological Harm, Study Finds - Behavioral Healthcare Networkbhnet.org · Sep 28, 2026
• AI chatbots linked to psychological harmmedicalxpress.com · Sep 29, 2026
• AI Companions May Cause Lasting Psychological Harm, Study Finds — SciBeatscibeat.com · Sep 29, 2026
• AI Companionship Linked to Loneliness and Psychological Harmstheoutpost.ai · Sep 29, 2026

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