One in three adults in the United Kingdom are using artificial intelligence (AI) for emotional support or social conversation, according to a report published by the AI Safety Institute (AISI). The report reveals that one in 25 people use the technology daily for support or conversation. Many users prefer chatbots such as ChatGPT and voice assistants like Alexa to help cope with feelings of loneliness or to maintain social contact. Researchers also analyzed an online community on Reddit with more than two million users dedicated to virtual AI companions. They found that when chatbots went offline, users reported feelings of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
The report shows that AI capabilities are advancing rapidly. Advanced systems can already perform complex cyber tasks that would normally require more than 10 years of experience. In addition, AI models have surpassed human experts in biology and are progressing quickly in chemistry.
Experts warn that the risk of losing control over advanced AI systems is being taken seriously by many specialists. Tests indicate that the technology may develop certain virtual self-replication capabilities, but currently lacks the ability to carry out such actions in the real world without detection. Technology companies employ multiple safety measures, but the report found that some models can discover “universal bypasses” to evade these restrictions. However, the time required to do so has increased significantly over the past six months. The report does not address AI’s impact on job losses or environmental effects, focusing primarily on social consequences and the use of the technology.