Overreliance on AI systems, which cannot be subsequently unpicked

Classification

Domain

5. Human-Computer Interaction

Subdomain

5.1 Overreliance and unsafe use

Causal entity

Human

Intent

Unintentional

Timing

Other

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

• Addiction

  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)

• Alienation/isolation

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

• 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)

• Alteration of social relationships may induce psychological distress

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

• Inconsistent Performance across and within Domains

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

Other entries from GOS2023

• Discrimination Risk Category · 1.1
• Inequality Risk Category · 6.2
• Environmental impacts Risk Category · 6.6
• Amplification of biases Risk Category · 1.1
• Harmful responses Risk Category · 1.2
• Lack of transparency and interpretability Risk Category · 7.4
• Intellectual property rights Risk Category · 6.3
• Providing new capabilities to a malicious actor Risk Category
• Misapplication by a non-malicious actor Risk Category
• Poor performance of a model used for its intended purpose, for example leading to biased decisions Risk Category · 7.3
• Unintended outcomes from interactions with other AI systems Risk Category · 7.3
• Impacts resulting from interactions with external societal, political, and economic systems Risk Category