#140 The dark side of AI companions

**CONTENT WARNING** This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health themes. Please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. This week we discuss the rise of AI companions.In the midst of a continued AI acceleration push in Australia, we discuss the emergence of several disturbing stories in which AI chatbots have apparently lead young people and adults alike to self-harm.In the face of known harms, many of these AI chatbots continue to be designed primarily to increase engagement and - as some have argued - addiction and dependency. Links:Article about AI companions impact on young Australians (ABC News) https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-12/how-young-australians-being-impacted-by-ai/105630108Podcast including discussion of case of Adam Raine https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-openais-chatgpt-guided-a-teen-to-his-death/id1460030305?i…Discussion about case of Sewel Setzer III (Tech Policy Press) https://www.techpolicy.press/ai-companions-and-the-law/Research into impacts of AI companions (Tech Policy Press) https://www.techpolicy.press/new-research-sheds-light-on-ai-companions/Report on AI companion market size https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/ai-companion-market-117494?ref=theoverview.…Credits:Editing and post-production by Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio) www.eastcoaststudio.com.auMusic by Bensound.com