People more lonely and using AI chatbots as companions, says report

The report found that the capabilities of AI are improving, but performance can remain 'jagged' with leading systems still failing at some 'seemingly simple tasks'

'AI companion apps have attracted tens of millions of users and some users have developed strong emotional dependence, delusions, or even taking their own lives after extended interaction with chatbots, though investigations into these incidents are ongoing.' File picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA

Tens of millions of people around the world now use artificial intelligence as a “companion” — and it is making some more lonely and reducing the amount of social interaction they have, a report has found.

The International AI Safety report, chaired by Canadian computer scientists Yoshua Bengio, is backed by the EU, UK, and China to document a “state of play” with AI technology and guide policymakers on legislation.