Will Humans be extinct in 5 years? Existential OCD & the Overlap with Artificial Intelligence

Will humans be extinct in 5 years? Right now, there is a buzz around artificial intelligence. Many discussions across the country, both privately and publicly, center around the existential threat that artificial intelligence poses to human existence. Existentialism as a concept began in the 19th  century, when many European philosophers led conversations about existentialism.

Existential OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Like many other subtypes of OCD, existential OCD is commonly misunderstood and commonly confused. In clinical settings, we commonly see individuals experiencing existential OCD

Until more recently, individuals experiencing existential OCD often experienced more philosophical questions like “What is the meaning of life,” and “What is the purpose of life” and “Are we living in a simulation?” These thoughts/questions are often accompanied by feeling “unreal,” “off,” or “inhuman.” While these thoughts themselves are not maladaptive, they often trigger excessive physical and mental compulsions.

Similarly, the thoughts/questions around artificial intelligence can be highly triggering and distressing to individuals experiencing existential OCD. Compulsions often involve an effort to “figure out” the answer to these questions, excessive researching, and reassurance seeking. More recently there has been a shift in clinical presentations of existential OCD to include artificial intelligence.

While these thoughts and questions are rooted in reality (artificial intelligence is a real thing that companies are creating), the amount of distress and time-consuming, onerous rituals and compulsions are a distinguishing factor of existential OCD.

Many in vivo exposures can be done to target existential OCD. Additionally, learning to resist compulsions and completing activities of valued living can be beneficial to experiencing relief. Imaginal exposures are often utilized as well when working with existential OCD. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is another tool utilized in treatment. ACT can assist in defusing from thoughts and feelings while aiding the ability to tolerate uncertainty.

As mentioned previously, existential OCD is commonly seen in clinical settings. And while the people without OCD might experience existential questions and obsessions from time to time, individuals with OCD can experience significant distress and disruption of their lives without treatment. Dr. Fred Penzel wrote a wonderful article on The International Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, IOCDF that can be found here: International OCD Foundation | To Be Or Not To Be, That Is The Obsession: Existential and Philosophical OCD