Emergency warning signs
Treat the situation as urgent if the person may harm themselves or someone else, feels commanded by the AI, believes the AI is controlling events, or is acting on messages that others cannot verify. Other warning signs include not sleeping for a long time, becoming extremely agitated or fearful, withdrawing from everyone, spending large amounts of money, traveling suddenly, or believing they have a special mission.
What to do first
Stop using the chatbot if possible. Move toward real-world support: a trusted person, therapist, psychiatrist, crisis line, emergency department, or local emergency services.
If you are supporting someone else, stay calm and focus on safety. Do not try to prove the belief wrong in a heated argument. Ask simple questions about danger, sleep, and whether the AI is telling them to act.
What if you are not sure it is an emergency?
If you are unsure, it is still reasonable to ask for help. You do not need to know the exact diagnosis to take warning signs seriously. A crisis line, clinician, or emergency service can help sort out the level of risk. It is better to involve support early than to wait until someone is isolated, exhausted, or acting on unsafe beliefs.