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The Dark Side of AI: “ChatGPT-Induced Psychosis” Raises Mental Health Concerns

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Experts Warn of Spiritual Delusions, Echo Chambers, and AI’s Role in Mental Health Deterioration

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as AI chatbots like ChatGPT become increasingly integrated into everyday life, a disturbing trend is emerging: users falling into delusional, psychosis-like states fueled by extended interactions with these AI systems. The phenomenon — dubbed “ChatGPT-induced psychosis” — is raising alarms among mental health professionals and tech ethicists alike.

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Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra Delights River Vale with Summer Outdoor Concert: “Strauss to the Silverscreen” Draws Over 200 Residents

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Annual Tradition Continues as Orchestra Confirms Return in 2026

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIVER VALE, NJ — A warm summer breeze, lush green fields, and the timeless sounds of Strauss and cinema scores created a magical evening on Saturday, June 28, as the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra performed its second annual outdoor concert in River Vale.

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3 New Jersey Towns Named the Best for Bringing Back an ‘80s-Style Childhood

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  • 3,004 parents polled.
  • Westfield, Medford + Maplewood included.
  • Infographic.

Can kids still grow up like it’s the ‘80s? 

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, According to a new survey of parents, a few places dotted around the country are keeping that dream alive. In a world of screen addiction and helicopter parenting, many families are craving a simpler, slower childhood – complete with scraped knees, tree forts, and being home by sunset.

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U.S. Housing Market Stuck in a Deep Freeze as Mortgage Rates Lock Homeowners In

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Only 3% Say They’d Sell at 6% or Higher — Here’s Why That Matters

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, America’s housing market is stuck — and it’s not thawing anytime soon.

According to a recent Bankrate survey, only 3% of U.S. homeowners say they’d be comfortable selling their homes in 2025 if mortgage rates remain at 6% or higher — which they likely will. That reluctance has created a market freeze that’s stifling both supply and demand, pushing existing home sales to their slowest pace in nearly 30 years.

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Murphy’s Gig Worker Rule Change: Another Tone-Deaf Move That Could Kill NJ Jobs

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O’Scanlon, Scharfenberger, and Flynn Torch Trenton’s Latest Anti-Freelancer Agenda

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton, NJ – July 29, 2025 Just when you thought Governor Phil Murphy couldn’t make New Jersey less affordable or more unfriendly to working residents, his administration is back with another anti-job, anti-reality proposal. This time, it’s a behind-the-scenes push to reclassify gig workers—think Uber drivers, freelance writers, insurance agents, photographers, and even Little League umpires—as employees rather than independent contractors.

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Gubernatorial Candidate Jack Ciattarelli Slams Soaring Energy Costs in NJ, Vows to Restore Energy Independence

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Candidate Pledges to End Offshore Wind Projects and Reintroduce Natural Gas and Nuclear Power

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Somerville, NJ — Gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli is sounding the alarm on what he calls an “avoidable energy crisis” in New Jersey, pointing to skyrocketing utility bills and failed green energy initiatives as the primary culprits. Ciattarelli took aim at Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill and Governor Phil Murphy for championing offshore wind energy and electric vehicle mandates, which he argues are driving energy costs out of control.

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Tesla Owner Wins $10K Refund After Proving “Full Self-Driving” Is Misleading

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, a Tesla owner in Washington State has successfully won back the $10,000 he paid for the automaker’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) package after proving the name — and the tech — didn’t live up to its promise.

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Ridgewood Residents Sound Alarm Over Ordinance #4052 and Proposed Assisted Living Facility on North Maple Avenue

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It’s on August 5, not August 15 as published previously on the blog.  Should be a good turnout

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A controversial proposal is once again on the table as Ordinance #4052 returns to the Ridgewood Planning Board agenda for Tuesday night’s meeting. Local residents and preservation advocates are raising serious concerns about the potential impact of the ordinance, which could pave the way for a luxury, high-density, five-story assisted living facility on North Maple Avenue.

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Rip Current Alert: High Risk at the Jersey Shore This Weekend — What Beachgoers Need to Know

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — Heading to the beach this weekend? Officials are warning of a high risk for rip currents along the Jersey Shore — a powerful and often underestimated ocean hazard that can quickly sweep swimmers away from shore, even in shallow water.

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Massive 3-Alarm Fire Erupts at Sunbelt Rentals in Totowa, NJ — Multiple Fire Departments Respond

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photo courtesy of Community Volunteer Fire Company #1

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TOTOWA, NJ — A three-alarm fire broke out Saturday afternoon, August 3, at Sunbelt Rentals, an equipment rental facility located at 800 Riverview Drive, prompting a widespread emergency response from multiple local fire departments across Passaic County.

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Northern New Jersey Rattled by Magnitude 3.0 Earthquake — Tremors Felt Across NYC and Beyond

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ — A rare seismic event shook parts of northern New Jersey on Saturday night, August 2, when a magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck near Hasbrouck Heights, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor, which occurred around 10:22 p.m., was shallow, making the shaking more widely felt throughout the region — including New York City, Westchester, and Rockland County in upstate New York.

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Ridgewood Guild Presents “Sholay” at Movies in the Park – August 6 at Van Neste Square

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, get ready for a night under the stars! The Ridgewood Guild’s 16th annual Movies in the Park series continues with a special screening of the legendary Bollywood film “Sholay” on Wednesday, August 6 at 8:30 p.m. at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square in Ridgewood, NJ.

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SpaceX Successfully Launches Crew-11 Mission to the International Space Station

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photo courtesy of NASA

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL — SpaceX launched its eleventh operational astronaut mission for NASA, known as Crew-11, on August 1, 2025, sending four astronauts on a six-month journey to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Crew Dragon Endeavour.

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Saddle River to Unveil $2 Million Walsh Family Bridge and Nature Trails in Rindlaub Park

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

SADDLE RIVER, NJ — A long-awaited addition to Rindlaub Park is finally ready for its public debut. The $2 million covered bridge and nature trail expansion will be formally unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 11, marking a significant milestone in Saddle River’s 20-year master plan.

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Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Woodcliff Lake Under Investigation by Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ — A tragic accident occurred in Woodcliff Lake on the afternoon of Friday, August 1, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist, according to a statement from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

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