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In this AfATAP hosted webinar, Dr Phil Saragoza discusses the role of chatbots in influencing threat actors. Case reports of individuals developing acute psychosis through interaction with artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly accumulating. These accounts have included numerous instances of targeted violence and suicidal behaviors apparently influenced by AI chatbots, corresponding with the presenter's recent experience in threat assessment consultation. This presentation will examine these phenomena by drawing upon scientific evidence and psychological theories of psychosis. Threat assessment and management strategies in case scenarios concerning problematic AI use will be addressed.

Presenter: Dr Jack Rozel, MD, MSL, DFAPA

Most violence is not due to mental illness or people with mental illness.  Most people with mental illness are never violent.  Nonetheless, threat management professionals need to understand how mental illness and targeted violence can and do intersect and, most importantly, how to investigate and manage cases where there is a potential intersection of violence risk and mental illness.  This presentation will provide an update on the evidence about mental illness and targeted and mass violence, explore the implications and limitations of the available scientific literature, and explore practical applications of these findings for threat management professionals.

This session will focus on helping practitioners understand the construction, indicators, behavioral pathways, and contextual risks associated with improvised explosive devices across the African landscape. While the technical details matter, my goal is to translate those concepts into practical threat assessment insights that support early identification, informed decision-making, and community safety.