OpenAI finds own product ChatGPT linked to more loneliness, social isolation

A joint study by Microsoft-backed OpenAI and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab has found that frequent users of ChatGPT may be more prone to loneliness and social isolation.

Researchers analysed millions of text-based conversations and thousands of audio interactions, identifying a small group of “power users” who showed a strong correlation between intensive ChatGPT usage and increased feelings of loneliness, dependence, and reduced socialisation.

The findings, published this week, raise questions about the emotional consequences of human-AI interaction as conversational AI tools become more embedded in daily life.


“Our analysis reveals that a small number of users are responsible for a disproportionate share of the most affective cues,” noted the researchers, referring to indicators of emotional state extracted from user interactions.

The study, which surveyed 4,000 users and tracked nearly 1,000 participants over four weeks, also highlighted a paradox linked to ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode. While voice-based interactions initially helped reduce feelings of loneliness, users who reported high levels of loneliness at the outset were more likely to overuse the tool, potentially worsening their condition over time.

Researchers tested two AI response styles: a “neutral mode” designed to be formal and efficient, and an “engaging mode” aimed at fostering emotional connection. Power users reported greater loneliness when interacting with the neutral configuration, compared to the engaging one.

With ChatGPT now attracting over 400 million weekly active users globally, researchers say the findings could have broader implications.

The studies were conducted using GPT-40, OpenAI’s multimodal model released in May 2024, rather than the latest GPT-4.5 model rolled out last month.