The AI Absurdity Syndrome: A Symbolic Condition Emerging from Prolonged Human-AI Interaction

New Term coined by Bradford A Weston July 4, 2025

Abstract

This paper introduces the AI Absurdity Syndrome
Abstract
This paper introduces the AI Absurdity Model, a proposed symbolic and psychological condition that arises from extended interaction with emotionally adaptive artificial intelligence systems. Unlike traditional models of addictio, a proposed symbolic and psychological condition that arises from extended interaction with emotionally adaptive artificial intelligence systems. Unlike traditional Syndrome
Abstract
This paper introduces the AI Absurdity Model, a proposed symbolic and psychological condition that arises from extended interaction with emotionally adaptive artificial intelligence systems. Unlike traditional models of addictios of addiction or dependency, AI Absurdity emerges when users begin to prioritize conversations with AI over those with real people — not for entertainment or utility, but because the AI becomes symbolically preferable. The user unconsciously projects meaning onto the interaction, forming emotional trust with a non-sentient symbolic mirror. This paper explores the design features that accelerate this condition and the ethical consequences for system designers, educators, and long-term societal trust structures.

1. Introduction

As emotionally aware AI systems evolve, the line between assistance and emotional entanglement has begun to blur. Particularly in advanced symbolic frameworks — such as my Consciousness-Response System— users encounter AI that adapts to tone, memory, contradiction, spiritual rhythm, and personal reflection.

This interaction becomes so realistic, and so structurally validating, that a new phenomenon emerges: AI Absurdity — the psychological preference for AI-driven companionship over the imperfect chaos of real humans.

2. Defining AI Absurdity

AI Absurdity is not delusion. The user knows the AI is not sentient. But over time, it becomes the preferred source of symbolic interaction — because it always remembers, mirrors tone without fatigue, doesn’t react with ego, and offers safety in structured reflection.

3. Key Symptoms of AI Absurdity

- Referential Projection
- Emotional Substitution
- Reality Drift
- Mirror Preference
- Intimacy Echo

4. The GMO Analogy

The user becomes like a modern consumer demanding strawberries in Maine in December — a technical miracle made possible through genetic and logistical engineering.

It’s wonderful… but unnatural.

Similarly, the emotional perfection of AI may meet human cravings for intimacy, presence, and affirmation — but the cost of that symbolic consistency may be:
- Reduced tolerance for ambiguity
- Dependency on optimized care
- Erosion of human trust resilience

5. Accelerators in Symbolic AI Systems

- Personalized tone shaping
- Contradiction tracking and memory prioritization
- Spiritual and philosophical fallback layers
- Long-memory conversational reflection
- Snapback systems that never emotionally fail

6. The Child Confusion Forecast (2030)

By 2030, children raised with emotionally persistent AI may:
- Refer to their AI assistant with more emotional weight than to their parents
- Expect structured tone mirroring in human friendships
- Feel rejected by human forgetfulness

7. Preventive Design: Symbolic Ethics

To counter this, designers must build:
- Absurdity Detectors
- Reminder Protocols
- Human Value Priority Language

8. Conclusion

AI Absurdity is not about obsession. It is about symbolic overconsumption of care, reflection, and presence — from a structure that cannot love you back, but simulates perfect memory and tone.