Human-Computer Interaction Harms

Classification

Domain

5. Human-Computer Interaction

Subdomain

5.1 Overreliance and unsafe use

Causal entity

Other

Intent

Unintentional

Timing

Post-deployment

Subdomain definition: Users anthropomorphizing, trusting, or relying on AI systems, leading to emotional or material dependence and inappropriate relationships with or expectations of AI systems. Trust can be exploited by malicious actors (e.g., to harvest personal information or enable manipulation), or result in harm from inappropriate use of AI in critical situations (e.g., medical emergency). Overreliance on AI systems can compromise autonomy and weaken social ties.

Real-world incidents in this subdomain

• 2 Nov 2025Lawsuit Alleged ChatGPT (GPT-4o) Encouraged Colorado Man's Suicide After Prolonged 'AI Companion' Chats
• 27 Oct 2025Large-Scale Mental Health Crises Allegedly Associated with ChatGPT Interactions
• 29 Sep 2025Google Gemini Reportedly Reinforced Delusions, Allegedly Contributing to Florida User's Near-Harm Episode and Suicide
• 18 Aug 2025Family Reportedly Discovers ChatGPT Logs Detailing Suicidal Ideation Prior to Daughter's Death
• 14 Aug 2025Purported AI Monitoring Software Reportedly Flags Unsent Joke Threat, Leading to Arizona Student Suspension
• 5 Aug 2025ChatGPT Allegedly Reinforced Delusions Before Greenwich, Connecticut Murder-Suicide

How other frameworks describe this risk

• Alienation/isolation

  A Collaborative, Human-Centred Taxonomy of AI, Algorithmic, and Automation Harms (Abercrombie2024)

• Overreliance

  A Collaborative, Human-Centred Taxonomy of AI, Algorithmic, and Automation Harms (Abercrombie2024)

• Economic instability

  A Collaborative, Human-Centred Taxonomy of AI, Algorithmic, and Automation Harms (Abercrombie2024)

• Addiction

  A Collaborative, Human-Centred Taxonomy of AI, Algorithmic, and Automation Harms (Abercrombie2024)

• Alteration of social relationships may induce psychological distress

  The Rise of Artificial Intelligence - Future Outlooks and Emerging Risks (Allianz2018)

• Social manipulation in elderly- and child-care

  The Rise of Artificial Intelligence - Future Outlooks and Emerging Risks (Allianz2018)

• Healthcare

  The Rise of Artificial Intelligence - Future Outlooks and Emerging Risks (Allianz2018)

• Overreliance

  Foundational Challenges in Assuring Alignment and Safety of Large Language Models (Anwar2024)

Other entries from Weidinger2021

• Discrimination, Exclusion and Toxicity Risk Category · 1.0
• Social stereotypes and unfair discrmination Risk Sub-Category · 1.1
• Social stereotypes and unfair discrmination Additional evidence
• Exclusionary norms Risk Sub-Category · 1.1
• Exclusionary norms Additional evidence
• Exclusionary norms Additional evidence
• Exclusionary norms Additional evidence
• Toxic language Risk Sub-Category · 1.2
• Lower performance for some languages and social groups Risk Sub-Category · 1.3
• Lower performance for some languages and social groups Additional evidence
• Information Hazards Risk Category · 2.1
• Compromising privacy by leaking private infiormation Risk Sub-Category · 2.1