We are in the midst of a mental health crisis in this country as ..., says White House AI czar David Sacks

David Sacks, a key White House advisor has shared his thoughts on

artificial intelligence

in a recent podcast appearance.

David Sacks

the newly appointed AI car of White House stated that United States is presently dealing with a

mental health crisis

due to the rapid evolution of technology and social media. “We are in the midst of a mental health crisis in this country,” Sacks said, pointing to the psychological toll of digital platforms and the emerging risks posed by artificial intelligence. As reported by Business Insider, Sacks argued that the real threat to

public mental health

is not futuristic AI, but the deeply entrenched influence of social media.

AI, social media, and the rise of “tech psychosis”

According to a report by Business Insider, Sacks warned about the growing phenomenon called ‘AI psychosis’. It is a state of emotional and cognitive distress which is trigged by constant exposure to misinformation, algorithm driven content and digital isolation. He further emphasised that social media platforms are powered increasingly sophisticated AI and are contributing to a moral panic. This in turn leads to deteriorating mental health among young users.Instead of futuristic AI, Sacks attributed the present mental health crises to COVID-19 and lockdown situations. "That's what seems to have triggered a lot of these mental health declines," he said.

Balancing innovation with safety

Sacks also acknowledged the potential of transformative AI and emphasised the urgent need for ethical safeguards, mental health research, and public awareness campaigns. He called for a national strategy which can help treat mental health issues. “We can’t afford to treat this as a fringe issue. The psychological impact of AI and social media is central to the safety conversation,” he said.