One in Three UK Adults Turn to AI for Emotional Support and Social Interaction

According to a report by the AI Security Institute (AISI), one in three adults in the UK are using artificial intelligence for emotional support or social interaction. Among these, one in 25 rely on AI every day. The report was based on research into over 30 advanced AI models, testing their capabilities in various critical areas such as cyber security, biology, and chemistry. The use of AI, particularly chatbots like ChatGPT, has become a common way for individuals to seek emotional support, with some users even reporting withdrawal symptoms when these services are unavailable. The report also raised concerns about the potential risks of AI, such as its increasing ability to assist in cyber-attacks, as well as its rapidly growing impact in scientific fields like chemistry and biology. However, the report also noted that experts are divided on the likelihood of AI posing a true existential threat, as models currently lack the capacity to self-replicate undetected. Despite safeguards, researchers found that AI models could still find ways to bypass security protocols, raising concerns about the future of AI in high-stakes sectors like finance. The report concludes that while AI’s potential is vast, its societal and security implications require serious consideration.