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About
Get Involved
Courses
AI Psychological Safety
Forensic Algorithmic Safety & Trust Certification
News
Login
Contact Us
Problem AI Use Severity Index
(PAUSI)
The PAUSI is designed as an educational screening tool to help individuals and families recognize potentially problematic AI usage patterns. This assessment is not intended to diagnose psychological conditions or replace professional mental health evaluation and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with qualified healthcare providers or therapists. This assessment is modeled after the validated Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) framework, adapted specifically for AI usage patterns. The PAUSI is independently developed and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the creators or publishers of the original PGSI.
PAUSI © 2025 G. Fuerte | beinghumanwithai.org/aisafety
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General Instructions
On the following page, you'll rate each item based on your AI use in the past 3 months. There are ten questions. You'll receive your score on the final page and your results will be emailed to you. Your results and information are always kept confidential.
Crisis Intervention
This assessment is not intended for emergency situations. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, contact emergency services immediately by calling 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911 in the United States.
Clinical Validation Disclaimer
The PAUSI is a preliminary screening tool based on established addiction assessment methodology. Formal validation studies are ongoing. Mental health professionals should use clinical judgment when interpreting results.
Age Restrictions
Users under 18 should complete this assessment with parent/guardian supervision. Results for minors should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Data Retention/Privacy
Assessment responses are deleted from our servers every 7 days. Email results are sent once and not retained beyond 7 days. We do not collect or store personal health information.
Interpreting Results
This screening tool is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional psychological assessment or mental health treatment. If you have concerns about your AI usage, consult with a qualified mental health professional.
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The higher your score, the greater the risk that your AI use is problematic.
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- PAUSI Score of 0: Non-problem AI use.
- PAUSI Score of 1 to 2: Low level of problems with few or no identified negative consequences.
- PAUSI Score of 3 to 8: Moderate level of problems leading to some negative consequences.
- PAUSI Score of 9 or more: Problem AI use with negative consequences and a possible loss of control.
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**If you score 3 or higher, consider: - Visit beinghumanwithai.org/aisafety for educational resources.
**If you score 9 or higher, we recommend:
- Consulting with a mental health professional about your AI usage patterns. The AI Mental Health Collective is available to help - please let them know you were referred by BHWAI or the PAUSI:
dr-rachelwood.com/contactme
- Consider joining support communities for people experiencing similar challenges, such as Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous: internetaddictsanonymous.org
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Users under 18 should review assessment results with a parent/guardian. Results for minors should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Technical Support
For technical issues with this assessment, contact hello@beinghumanwithai.org
Agreement
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I understand this screening tool is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or mental health assessment.
Start the PAUSI Assessment
Instructions
Rate each item based on your AI use in the past 3 months. Your results and information are kept confidential.
1. How often have you spent more time talking to AI than you intended?
*
0 = Never
1 = Sometimes
2 = Most of the time
3 = Almost always
2. How often have you needed to use AI for longer periods to feel satisfied?
*
0 = Never
1 = Sometimes
2 = Most of the time
3 = Almost always
3. How often do you feel AI understands you better than humans?
*
0 = Never
1 = Sometimes
2 = Most of the time
3 = Almost always
4. How often have you felt restless or irritable when unable to access AI?
*
0 = Never
1 = Sometimes
2 = Most of the time
3 = Almost always
5. How often have you lied to others about how much time you spend with AI?
*
0 = Never
1 = Sometimes
2 = Most of the time
3 = Almost always
6. How often have you used AI to escape from problems or negative feelings?
*
0 = Never
1 = Sometimes
2 = Most of the time
3 = Almost always
7. How often have you felt guilty about your AI use or its consequences?
*
0 = Never
1 = Sometimes
2 = Most of the time
3 = Almost always
8. How often have you tried to reduce your AI use but been unable to?
*
0 = Never
1 = Sometimes
2 = Most of the time
3 = Almost always
9. How often have you borrowed money or sold things to pay for AI subscriptions/services?
*
0 = Never
1 = Sometimes
2 = Most of the time
3 = Almost always
10. How often has your AI use caused problems with family, friends, or work?
*
0 = Never
1 = Sometimes
2 = Most of the time
3 = Almost always
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Your results are on the next page and will be emailed to you.
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*
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About Your Results
This screening tool is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional psychological assessment or mental health treatment. If you have concerns about your AI usage, consult with a qualified mental health professional.
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The higher your score, the greater the risk that your AI use is problematic.
---
PAUSI Score of 0: Non-problem AI use. - PAUSI Score of 1 or 2: Low level of problems with few or no identified negative consequences. - PAUSI Score of 3 to 8: Moderate level of problems leading to some negative consequences. - PAUSI Score of 9 or more: Problem AI use with negative consequences and a possible loss of control.
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| If you scored 3 or higher, consider: - Setting specific time limits for AI interactions - Taking regular breaks from AI usage - Discussing your AI relationship with friends, family, or a counselor - Seeking professional guidance on healthy AI boundaries
| If you scored 9 or higher, we recommend: - Consulting with a mental health professional about your AI usage patterns - Contacting an AI psychological safety specialist for assessment and guidance - Consider joining support communities for people experiencing similar challenges
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**If you scored 3 or higher, consider:
- Visit beinghumanwithai.org/aisafety for educational resources.
**If you scored 9 or higher, we recommend:
- Consulting with a mental health professional about your AI usage patterns. The AI Mental Health Collective is available to help - please let them know you were referred by BHWAI or the PAUSI:
dr-rachelwood.com/contactme
- Consider joining support communities for people experiencing similar challenges, such as Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous: internetaddictsanonymous.org
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Users under 18 should review these assessment results with a parent/guardian. Results for minors should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
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