Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he experienced about six bouts of so-called "AI psychosis" over the past year, drawing attention. It does not mean he was diagnosed with a mental illness, but is seen as an exaggerated way to describe being overly absorbed in, or surprised by, advances in AI technology.

Business Insider reported on Oct. 14, local time, that Musk said in an interview at an X Takeover event held in Texas on Oct. 10, "I have some cyber psychosis. Maybe quite severe." He added, "Over the past year, I’ve probably had AI or SI psychosis about six times." SI is an abbreviation for Super Intelligence, a term U.S. President Donald Trump has encouraged people to use instead of AI.

"AI psychosis" is not an official medical term or diagnosis. It generally refers to repeated interactions with AI reinforcing a user’s delusional beliefs, or is used as a satirical expression aimed at people in the tech industry who become excessively immersed in AI.

In Silicon Valley, an atmosphere of using the expression as a joke has also been spreading recently. Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen promoted the phrase "AI psychosis as a service (AIPAAS)," and Garry Tan (게리 탄), CEO of Y Combinator, also joked that he and many executives around him were experiencing cyber psychosis.

The background to Musk’s use of the expression includes his surprise at AI’s creative abilities. He spoke highly of the quality of AI-produced music and music videos, saying he was impressed that machines can understand beauty, harmony and aesthetic taste beyond logical problem-solving.

Earlier, in April, Musk also reacted in agreement to a post in which Andreessen mentioned AI intoxication and AI psychosis.

The remarks are an example showing Musk’s strong expectations for AI technology and Silicon Valley’s culture of exaggerated expressions, and should be distinguished from a confession about his actual mental health.