Existential OCD

A non-standardized but clinically recognized subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by obsessions about the nature of reality, consciousness, free will, mortality, or the fate of humanity. In the GenAI era, existential OCD commonly presents as intrusive fears that AI will destroy humanity, replace human work and creativity, or render consciousness meaningless. Compulsions include repeated research, reassurance-seeking, and philosophical arguments with chatbots.