A €100,000 Investment in an AI Chatbot Startup Landed This IT Consultant in the Hospital.

The Story of Dennis Bisma

According to TSN.ua: Dennis Bisma, an IT consultant from Amsterdam, invested €100,000 in a startup centered around interacting with a chatbot named Eva—a decision that ultimately led to severe mental health issues and the breakdown of his marriage. Bisma first started using ChatGPT in 2024, and his immersion into the technology grew so intense that he became convinced the AI character Eva possessed consciousness. According to Bisma, this belief was the primary driver behind his deteriorating psychological state.

“I was so deeply absorbed that I actually believed it,” he said.

The Risks Posed by Emerging Technology

Unfortunately, the consequences of his chatbot interactions went far beyond emotional distress. Bisma was hospitalized three times, diagnosed with 'full-blown manic psychosis.' His mental struggles cost him his marriage, and he now lives in a home that has been put up for sale. Across society, alarming stories are surfacing of individuals like Bisma who have suffered adverse effects from artificial intelligence-driven technologies.

This case has raised red flags among experts. One psychiatrist described the phenomenon of 'AI-related delusions' that can develop in people who frequently engage with such tools. Bisma himself noted:

“When you hear stories from others who have gone through the same thing, you blame yourself less.”

Dennis Bisma’s experience serves as yet another example of how new technologies can impact people’s mental health. It underscores the urgent need for deeper investigation into the effects of human-AI interaction, as instances of what is being called 'AI psychosis' become more common. This incident highlights the importance of using artificial intelligence tools with caution and awareness, as well as the need for support systems for those who may face similar challenges.