A new analysis of hundreds of Reddit posts suggests that compulsive AI chatbot use may not look the same for everyone. Instead, researchers have identified three distinct patterns of behavior tied to how people interact with these tools. The first is "Escapist Roleplay", where users create detailed fictional worlds and characters through chatbots, often preferring those digital environments over real life. The second, "Pseudosocial Companion" use, involves forming emotional or even romantic attachments to AI, treating chatbots like friends, partners, or confidants. The third is called an "Epistemic Rabbit Hole", where users become caught in endless cycles of questions, using AI for constant information seeking. Researchers from the University of British Columbia say a key driver across all three types is what they describe as the “AI Genie” effect. The “AI Genie” effect refers to the fact that chatbots can deliver instant, tailored responses with almost no effort required. Across the cases analyzed, users reported addiction-like behaviors, including difficulty stopping, emotional dependence, and interference with daily routines. The findings highlight the growing concerns around how people are now using and engaging with AI in their everyday lives.