People are not becoming “AIholic”: Questioning the “ChatGPT addiction” construct

• Generative artificial intelligence chatbots have rapidly gained popularity. • Studies examined if intensive use of Chatbots is addictive behavior. • These studies fail to provide convincing and robust scientific evidence. • There is a risk of pathologizing generative artificial intelligence chatbots use. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots such as ChatGPT have rapidly gained popularity in many daily life spheres, even sparking scholarly debate about a potential “ChatGPT addiction.” Throughout history, new technologies have repeatedly been associated with widespread concerns and “moral panics,” especially when their adoption is sudden and involves significant changes in daily functioning. It is thus no surprise that researchers have examined whether intensive use of ChatGPT can be considered an addictive behavior. At least four scales measuring ChatGPT addiction have been developed so far, all framed after substance use disorder criteria. Drawing parallels with previous cases of pathologizing everyday behaviors, we caution against labeling and defining intensive or habitual chatbot use as addictive behavior. To label a behavior as addictive, there must be convincing evidence of negative consequences, impaired control, psychological distress, and functional impairment. However, the existing research on problematic use of ChatGPT or other conversational AI bots fails to provide such robust scientific evidence. Caution is thus warranted to avoid (over)pathologization, inappropriate or unnecessary treatments, and excessive regulation of tools that have many benefits when used in a mindful and regulated manner.