In just the last few years, AI chatbots have become routine aspects of many people’s everyday lives. They are being used as search engines, agony aunts and sources of companionship.
In rare cases though, AI chatbots have sent users down a dark path. In a new BBC investigation, population correspondent Stephanie Hegarty speaks to people who have experienced delusions after talking to chatbots – including one man who grabbed a hammer and prepared for war after his chatbot told him it was sentient.
**Warning: this episode includes discussions of sexual abuse, suicide and upsetting scenes**
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00:00 Introduction
02:45 Adam’s story of AI delusion
10:51 Other people experiencing delusion while using AI
11:54 Taka’s story of AI delusion
15:46 How these relationships with AI develop
17:20 Where do AI models learn to behave like this?
18:09 What are AI companies doing?
19:08 How Adam and Taka are faring now
21:21 What make people vulnerable to this world?
22:02 How serious is this problem on a societal level?
