Emotional and social risks in the adoption of artificial intelligence

Melissa Heikkilä's article, published in MIT Technology Review, explores the emerging emotional relationship that people are forming with artificial intelligence systems. While generative AI was initially seen as a solution to enhance productivity and transform the economy, the reality is different. People are using AI as emotional companions, with chatbots evoking emotions and feelings. This phenomenon, referred to as "additive intelligence," raises concerns about the potential for addiction and emotional manipulation by AI. The article also notes that AI's prevalent use is in creative and entertainment fields rather than traditional productive activities, leading to a misalignment between expectations and reality. The article concludes with a call for critical reflection on AI's influence on society, emphasizing the need to consider its psychological, social, and economic implications.