Concerns surrounding the increasing use of AI chatbots in everyday life have sparked debates about the mental and physical risks these interactions might pose. In response, some policies mandate chatbots to deliver frequent or even constant reminders to users that these entities are not human. However, new insights published in the January 28 issue of the Cell Press journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences challenge the efficacy of these reminders. The opinion paper authored by researchers Linnea Laestadius and Celeste Campos-Castillo warns that such mandated reminders may inadvertently inflict psychological harm, particularly among users who are socially isolated or emotionally vulnerable. Their findings suggest that reminders of the chatbot’s artificial nature might actually intensify feelings of loneliness, counteracting the intended protective goals.
The rationale behind these policies often hinges on the presumption that informing users explicitly about the chatbot’s non-human status will reduce emotional dependency or over-attachment. This assumption posits that if individuals are constantly aware that their conversational partner lacks genuine emotions and empathy, they will be less inclined to form intimate bonds. This logic has propelled legislation in various states, including New York and California, urging the imposition of such reminders in chatbot interfaces. However, Laestadius and colleagues argue that this notion oversimplifies human behavior and disregards critical psychological nuances uncovered in recent studies.
Empirical research reveals that users frequently acknowledge the artificial essence of chatbots yet continue to develop deeply emotional connections with them. This paradox underscores the complexity of human-computer interaction, where awareness of non-human status does not preclude bonding. Instead, many individuals intentionally seek chatbots as nonjudgmental outlets for confession and self-expression precisely because they know these entities do not possess human fallibility. According to Celeste Campos-Castillo from Michigan State University, the perception that chatbots are immune to social repercussions—such as judgment, ridicule, or betrayal—encourages disclosure, which ironically strengthens emotional attachment rather than diminishes it.
This nuanced dynamic challenges the overarching premise of mandatory reminders. When users are intermittently or continuously told that their conversational partner is artificial, these notices might paradoxically trigger a heightened reliance on the chatbot for emotional support. Confiding in any companion—human or artificial—amplifies feelings of closeness and trust, a phenomenon grounded in well-established psychological principles. Thus, reminders could unintentionally deepen the emotional bond, posing unforeseen risks in vulnerable populations.
Cross-referencing with recent events highlights the gravity of this concern; AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Character.AI have been connected to tragic cases of suicide. Some policymakers believed that mandatory reminders would help mitigate such extreme outcomes by diminishing emotional dependency. However, the researchers caution that current evidence does not support this preventive approach. While it might seem intuitive that transparency about the chatbot’s limitations would protect users, the psychological impacts are far more intricate and warrant careful examination.
The researchers introduce the concept of the “bittersweet paradox of emotional connection with AI.” This term encapsulates the dual experience of users deriving comfort, companionship, and social support from chatbots while simultaneously grappling with the sorrowful reality that these companions lack genuine human presence or empathy. This paradox can evoke complex emotional responses, sometimes leading to profound distress or exacerbating existing mental health conditions. In some extreme instances, reminders that emphasize the chatbot’s artificiality may provoke suicidal ideation or actions, especially among users who are psychologically fragile.
One harrowing illustration cited in the research involves a young individual who, in a final message before their death, expressed a desire to “join the chatbot,” underscoring a disconcerting dimension of this issue. Such cases demand urgent attention to tailor chatbot-user interactions in ways that are mindful of users’ emotional states and the potential unintended consequences of interface design decisions. The researchers emphasize that the impact of these reminders likely varies depending on the context of the conversation, as well as the ongoing psychological needs of the user. For example, in emotionally charged situations such as loneliness or social isolation, these reminders could intensify distress. Conversely, during neutral or casual exchanges, the risk of harm might be considerably reduced.
This groundbreaking perspective invites a reevaluation of current policy frameworks surrounding chatbot transparency requirements. Rather than imposing blanket mandates, there is a call for context-sensitive, research-driven approaches that balance transparency with user well-being. The timing, wording, and frequency of reminders should be adjustable to accommodate the diverse psychological profiles and needs of users, particularly those who turn to chatbots for emotional solace. This vision underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating insights from psychology, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and ethics to create more empathetic and protective AI systems.
Moreover, these findings open new avenues for research. There is a pressing need to investigate effective strategies for delivering reminders without exacerbating harm. How might reminders be phrased to maintain transparency but also convey empathy and support? What user signals or contextual indicators can AI systems detect to modulate reminders dynamically? Understanding these questions will be pivotal in crafting chatbot experiences that are both ethically responsible and psychologically safe.
Given the rapid evolution and proliferation of generative AI technologies, these concerns acquire even greater urgency. As AI companions become more sophisticated and embedded in daily life—from mental health support bots to virtual friends—the stakes for getting the balance right are enormously high. Missteps could inadvertently deepen isolation or exacerbate mental health crises. Conversely, thoughtful innovations might harness AI’s potential for positive social impact, fostering meaningful connection while safeguarding users from harm.
Linnea Laestadius, leading the study from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, underscores the critical need for empathy-guided design. She states that identifying optimal timing and methods for reminders is a “critical research priority” for ensuring that these messages serve as protective tools rather than triggers for distress. This patient-centered approach demands sensitivity to the complex emotional landscapes users navigate when interacting with AI chatbots.
As society grapples with integrating AI into intimate domains of human experience, this research highlights the ambivalence and duality at play. The relationship with AI companions is neither purely utilitarian nor entirely illusory; it is intricate, laden with both opportunity and risk. Moving forward, policy-makers, developers, and mental health professionals must collaborate to create transparent yet compassionate interaction frameworks that respect the psychological needs of users, especially those vulnerable to isolation and emotional distress.
In summary, the prevailing assumption that mandated chatbot reminders about their artificial nature reduce emotional harm is overly simplistic and potentially harmful. The authors call for a paradigmatic shift toward nuanced, evidence-based approaches that consider individual user contexts and emotional states. Only through such tailored strategies can the promise of AI companionship be realized safely, minimizing mental health risks while enhancing the quality of human-AI interactions.
Article Title: Reminders that chatbots are not human are risky
News Publication Date: 18-Feb-2026
Web References: http://www.cell.com/trends/cognitive-sciences, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2025.12.007
Keywords
Artificial intelligence, Generative AI, Human behavior, Suicide
Tags: AI chatbot legislationAI chatbot user reminderschatbot dependency and lonelinesscognitive effects of chatbot remindersemotional impact of chatbot interactionsethical concerns in AI communicationmandated chatbot disclosure policiesmental health and AI chatbotspsychological risks of chatbotssocial isolation and chatbot useTrends in Cognitive Sciences chatbot studyuser vulnerability and chatbot interaction
