Someone you care about spends hours talking to AI. They seem withdrawn, less present, less interested in real conversations. You want to say something, but you're not sure how. The instinct to confront often backfires. Here's a better approach.
Lead with curiosity, not criticism
"What do you get from talking to AI?" is a better opener than "You're addicted to your phone." Curiosity opens dialogue. Criticism closes it. Most people who are dependent on AI already sense it — they don't need accusation, they need a safe space to explore what's happening.
Share what you've noticed
Use "I" statements: "I've noticed we talk less than we used to." "I miss our conversations." "I feel like something's changed." This is harder to dismiss than "You're always on that chatbot." You're describing your experience, not diagnosing their problem.
Don't expect an overnight change
AI dependency develops gradually, and it resolves gradually. The goal of the first conversation isn't to fix anything — it's to open the door. Plant the seed of awareness and let it grow. Real change happens when someone chooses it for themselves, not when it's imposed on them.