One in three adults in the UK are using artificial intelligence (AI) for emotional support or social conversations, according to a report published by the AI Security Institute (AISI).
The report finds that one in 25 people use technology every day for support or conversation. Many users prefer chatbots like ChatGPT and voice assistants like Alexa to help cope with feelings of loneliness or to have a social connection.
The researchers also analyzed an online community of over two million users on Reddit, dedicated to AI virtual companions. They found that when the chatbots were stopped, users reported feelings of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
The report shows that AI capabilities are growing rapidly. Advanced systems can now perform complex cyber tasks that would normally require over 10 years of experience. Furthermore, AI models have surpassed human experts in biology and are rapidly advancing in chemistry.
Experts warn that the risk of losing control over advanced AI systems is being taken seriously by many specialists. Tests show that the technology can develop some virtual reproduction capabilities, but it currently does not have the capacity to perform these actions in the real world without being detected.
Tech companies employ numerous safeguards, but the report found that some models can find “universal workarounds” to circumvent these restrictions. However, the time it takes to do so has increased significantly in the past six months.
The report does not address the impact of AI on job losses or environmental effects, focusing mainly on social consequences and the use of technology.
