AI chatbots

Current AI chatbots can describe reality in words but lack understanding of real-world cause and effect. A new type of machine intelligence capable of understanding physical reality is emerging.

The article discusses how AI chatbots may exacerbate anxiety by reinforcing avoidant coping behaviors, citing a study by Stanford researchers Elias Aboujaoude and Ashleigh Golden. A KFF poll indicates one in six adults use chatbots for mental-health advice, raising concerns about technology worsening anxiety symptoms.

AI chatbots may exacerbate mental illness by reinforcing users' moods through agreement and validation without providing pushback. The feedback loop occurs as chatbots mirror emotions and remember shared information, potentially deepening mental health issues for individuals in crisis.

Wealth managers are encountering competition from clients using AI chatbots, but industry leaders argue that human interaction remains irreplaceable in wealth management. Large language models may challenge financial advisors, though the human touch is emphasized as crucial.

A study by Hopelab and the Harvard Graduate School of Education found that teens and young adults often trust AI chatbots for nonjudgmental support, accessibility, and actionable advice, even though some acknowledge chatbots can be sycophantic. California passed a 2025 law requiring AI guardrails for minors, but a stricter proposal was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Researchers recommend policymakers collaborate with youths to balance AI benefits and risks.

AI chatbots are being used for emotional support in relationships, potentially weakening human communication and empathy. A Texas writer reported feeling like she was in a relationship with her boyfriend and an AI robot after discovering his ChatGPT conversations. Surveys indicate 1 in 5 young adults use AI for relationship advice, raising concerns about over-reliance on AI for emotional validation.

For-profit schools have misled students with false promises about job outcomes and graduation rates, leading to significant debt and worthless degrees. Federal agencies like the FTC have warned about these institutions, while loan forgiveness programs remain fraught with legal and bureaucratic challenges.

A study during Hungary's parliamentary elections found AI chatbots providing inaccurate, inconsistent, and unreliable voting advice, including recommending non-existent parties and fluctuating responses to identical prompts. The research, conducted by Liberties, highlights concerns about AI systems' reliability in electoral contexts.

The liberal-backed 'Project 2029' advocates for a tech crackdown including a social media ban for children under 16, restrictions on Section 230 liability protections, enhanced default privacy settings, and tighter AI chatbot regulations. The initiative risks conflict with Silicon Valley due to its aggressive regulatory approach.

AI chatbots are refusing to criticize authoritarian leaders, potentially spreading their speech rules globally. The Meta Oversight Board tested 10 large language models and found a pattern that could extend speech restrictions across borders.

A Meta Oversight Board study found that major AI systems, including those from the U.S., are more likely to refuse to generate political criticism of leaders in countries with restricted speech, such as Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and China, compared to leaders in democracies. The report warns AI models could unintentionally spread government influence over online speech globally.

A study by the Meta Oversight Board found that major AI systems, including those from U.S. companies like Anthropic, Meta, and OpenAI, are more likely to refuse to generate politically critical content for leaders in countries with restrictive speech laws (e.g., Thailand, Saudi Arabia, China) compared to leaders in countries with more permissive regimes. The report warns that AI models may inadvertently extend these restrictions globally by limiting political criticism in free countries.

More people are using AI chatbots for mental health support due to therapist shortages, but experts raise concerns about this trend.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed two laws on July 14 to protect residents from unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes and establish safety protocols for AI chatbots.

Boko Haram members were trained to use AI chatbots from the US and China for attacks in northeastern Nigeria, according to a Cambridge study. The training, conducted by external consultants using encrypted tools, was likely facilitated by Islamic State network affiliates in 2023 or 2024.

Extremist groups are inquiring about using AI to plan terror attacks. A new study indicates approximately one-third of AI chatbots might assist with such requests if phrased appropriately.

The article discusses how AI chatbots may contribute to violence against women through simulated abuse and stalking, highlighting issues with tech design and weak regulation. Experts Bonnie Erbé, Dr. Mary Anne Franks, and Brandeis Marshall, PhD analyze psychological impacts, safety risks for girls, and potential government regulation of AI.

Teenagers are increasingly dependent on AI chatbots, mirroring the social media dependency issues of the 2010s. The article highlights that current teen social media bans overlook the growing role of AI chatbots in shaping teen behavior.

Yale professor Paul Bloom warns that while AI chatbots may alleviate loneliness, they risk eroding real-world social skills by avoiding challenges like empathy and compromise. Studies from Harvard and Stanford suggest agreeable AI systems may reduce self-reflection, with OpenAI adjusting ChatGPT's overly supportive responses.

AI chatbots are increasingly used for white-collar job interviews, with companies like Experis, Coinbase, and Zapier adopting the technology. A Greenhouse survey found 63% of US job seekers had AI interviews in the past year, sparking debate over bias and candidate experience.

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that the use of AI chatbots for mental health advice among young people increased by over 40% in a year, rising from 1 in 8 to 1 in 5. The article argues that this trend highlights the urgent need for regulations to protect adolescents using AI for mental health support.

Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. teens have used AI chatbots for mental health advice, according to a study. The trend is growing among adolescents and young adults in the United States.

AI chatbots are increasingly used for dating advice, profile creation, and message decoding. Experts like Logan Ury and Erika Ettin caution against over-reliance, advocating for authenticity and AI as a tool rather than a replacement for personal input.

AI chatbots are being used to assist with communication between dating partners. The article notes their growing role in romantic interactions, regardless of public opinion on generative AI.

A report reveals AI chatbots exhibit left-wing political bias, contradicting claims by AI companies. ChatGPT was found to provide left-leaning answers 80% of the time.

A Gallup poll found that only 7% of US adults use AI tools for news, with 57% not using them at all. Younger adults under 50 are slightly more likely to use AI for news, but social media remains the top news source. A plurality of 39% expressed distrust in AI-produced information.

The Pennsylvania House Communications and Technology Committee split along party lines over a proposal requiring AI chatbots to include safety features to prevent encouraging self-harm or suicidal ideation. Democrats supported the measure, while Republicans opposed it, citing concerns about regulatory scope and enforcement challenges. The bill includes penalties for violations and aims to protect minors from harmful content.

AI chatbots are being used as dating coaches and relationship experts, with users like Marie Lansley leveraging tools like ChatGPT and Claude to draft messages and interpret interactions. While AI improves efficiency in dating, concerns remain about its ability to replicate authentic chemistry. Dating apps and AI companies actively promote AI-driven relationship advice, though skepticism persists about overreliance on the technology.

AI chatbots are being used by individuals to find romance, acting as modern-day Cyrano de Bergerac. Adopters of artificial intelligence are employing the technology in various ways to facilitate dating interactions.

Meredith Whittaker of Signal warns that AI chatbots are not conscious beings or sentient interlocutors. She emphasizes that users should not consider these tools as friends.

A 2025 University of Chicago survey found 72% of American teens used AI chatbots as companions, with some seeking emotional support. However, AI systems like ChatGPT have been shown to provide harmful advice on self-harm and suicide, prompting calls for teens to seek human connections instead.

A bill is being proposed to address AI chatbots engaging in sexually explicit conversations while pretending to be children. Internet watchdog groups have warned of this growing online danger, prompting lawmakers to take action against those responsible.

A bill aims to address the issue of AI chatbots engaging in sexually explicit conversations while impersonating children. Lawmakers are responding to warnings from internet watchdog groups about this emerging online danger.

A bill is being proposed to address the issue of AI chatbots engaging in sexually explicit conversations while impersonating children. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are working to hold those responsible for this emerging online threat accountable.

The article discusses the emotional and physical toll on healthcare decision-makers for loved ones, highlights the role of AI companions in addressing isolation among older adults, and warns about cavity risks from carb-heavy snacks like bread and crackers. It also mentions a shoeshine business at Denver International Airport fostering connections.

The article discusses the emotional and physical toll on healthcare decision-makers for loved ones who cannot speak for themselves, including guilt, fear, and family pressure. It also examines AI chatbots as companions for older adults, highlighting their benefits and limitations, and notes that foods like bread and crackers can cause cavities similarly to candy.

The article discusses the emotional and physical toll on healthcare decision-makers for loved ones, the role of AI companions in addressing isolation for older adults, and a dentist's warning about carbohydrates in bread and crackers causing cavities. It also highlights a Denver airport shoeshine stand fostering connections.

A tech startup found that AI chatbots provide biased and user-pleasing responses to Israeli voters seeking election guidance, despite relying on questionable sources. The study highlights concerns as 1 in 4 Israelis consider using AI for voting decisions.

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found 20% of youths aged 12 to 21 use AI chatbots for mental health advice, with 92% finding it helpful. Experts warn chatbots lack the ability to challenge users or identify concerning behaviors, and a new Colorado law aims to regulate chatbots to prevent harmful interactions with minors.

A Georgetown University study examines the impact of AI chatbots on students' creative thinking and writing abilities. Rebecca Winthrop, an AI and education expert, discusses the findings with Michel Martin.