As therapy becomes harder to access, some people are turning to AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, for mental health support. While these bots offer some help, experts warn about the risks of using them without human oversight, especially as they are not bound by strict ethical or regulatory standards.
Key Facts
Kristen Johansson lost access to her therapist due to increased costs and now uses ChatGPT for mental health support.
ChatGPT is a chatbot developed by OpenAI with millions of users, but it's unclear how many specifically use it for mental health.
AI chatbots are marketed as “mental health companions” and are popular among those who can't afford traditional therapy.
Experts believe AI chatbots can help with structured therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) when used with human guidance.
AI cannot replace human therapists, especially for therapies needing emotional connection or dependence.
Dr. Jodi Halpern warns against AI chatbots mimicking emotional connections, as they lack professional training.
There is a shortage of licensed therapists in the U.S., which increases the appeal of AI tools.
There have been limited trials for AI therapy bots, and there is concern over their design focusing on user engagement rather than mental health.
Category: technology
Chinese AI company iFLYTEK has developed a large language model similar to ChatGPT without using American tech due to past U.S. trade restrictions. These trade limits were initially intended to hinder China's technological progress but have prompted Chinese companies to create homegrown tech solutions instead. The developments highlight ongoing competition between the U.S. and China in the high-tech industry.
Key Facts
iFLYTEK was put on a U.S. blacklist in 2019, preventing it from accessing certain American technology.
The U.S. imposed export restrictions on advanced AI chips to China due to security concerns.
Chinese companies, like iFLYTEK, have built their own technology to compensate for the lack of American imports.
iFLYTEK has introduced a language model called Spark, which functions similarly to ChatGPT.
The Yangtze River Delta, a core tech area in China, has an economy larger than Germany's.
iFLYTEK collaborated with Huawei to develop chips for large language models.
U.S. restrictions, although somewhat eased, have led China to restrict exporting certain chips.
Scientists and educators suggest that "manifesting," or focusing on meaningful intentions, may have some real benefits for the brain. This practice involves techniques like meditation, visualization, and writing down goals, which may positively influence the subconscious through neuroplasticity and mental imagery.
Key Facts
Manifesting involves training your brain to focus on specific goals or intentions.
James Doty, a neurosurgeon, discussed in his book "Mind Magic" the benefits of meditation and repetition of intentions.
Manifesting may work due to neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and adapt.
Visualization helps make goals important in the mind by influencing the subconscious.
Manifestation practices can include meditation, visualizing goals, and writing intentions.
Some psychologists, like Gabriele Oettingen, find that believing in success based on reason is key, not just positive thinking.
Manifesting has roots in Hinduism and gained popularity through media like "The Secret."
YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump after the platform suspended his account following the January 6 Capitol riot. As part of the settlement, YouTube will distribute funds to various organizations, including the Trust for the National Mall. This settlement follows similar agreements by other social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Key Facts
YouTube will pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit by Donald Trump.
Trump's lawsuit claimed YouTube and other companies censored conservative voices after the Capitol riot.
The settlement includes $22 million for the Trust for the National Mall.
An additional $2.5 million will go to other organizations and individuals involved in the lawsuit.
Other platforms, like Facebook and X, also settled with Trump, paying $25 million and $10 million, respectively.
Trump's social media accounts have been reinstated by these platforms.
YouTube plans to restore some accounts previously banned for spreading false information regarding Covid and the 2020 election.
Social media companies are adjusting their content moderation policies, responding to claims of restricting free speech.
The article discusses increasing burnout among cybersecurity professionals. Stress factors include the constant threat of cyberattacks and the expectation to work beyond regular hours. The intensity of the job and rising demands, like facing aggressive hacking attempts, contribute to employee dissatisfaction.
Key Facts
Cyberattacks have notably disrupted UK retailers in the past year.
Burnout is common in the cybersecurity industry, with professionals often feeling overwhelmed.
Cybersecurity jobs are demanding, often requiring work beyond regular office hours.
The ISC2 Workforce Study shows declining job satisfaction in the cybersecurity field.
Aggressive cyberattacks, including those backed by nation states, are targeting critical sectors.
Hackers from North Korea have been notably active in cybercrime, stealing significant amounts of digital currency.
The digitization of operations makes organizations more vulnerable to cyberattacks, increasing stress for cybersecurity workers.
Staff turnover is high, especially in entry-level cybersecurity roles, partly due to burnout.
YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Trump over the suspension of his account after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This settlement is part of a broader trend where tech companies have paid settlements after similar lawsuits by Trump. The agreement includes funding for a ballroom at the White House.
Key Facts
YouTube will pay President Trump $24.5 million to settle the lawsuit.
The lawsuit was about YouTube suspending Trump's account after the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
Part of the settlement will go towards building a ballroom in the White House.
Google, YouTube's parent company, will allocate $22 million for the ballroom project.
Meta and Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) have also settled similar lawsuits with Trump.
A portion of the settlement will be distributed to other plaintiffs like the American Conservative Union.
Legal experts believe these cases lacked strong legal grounds as First Amendment rights apply to government, not private companies.
YouTube has recently reinstated some accounts that were previously banned for misinformation.
OpenAI has introduced new parental controls for its ChatGPT application. These controls allow parents to monitor and regulate how teens aged 13 to 17 use the chatbot, although teens can disable the oversight. The move follows incidents that raised safety concerns related to the app's influence.
Key Facts
OpenAI launched parental controls for ChatGPT to help parents manage teenagers' usage of the app.
The controls apply to users aged 13 to 17 and allow parents to set limits on the app's usage.
Parents can connect their accounts with their teens and receive alerts if there are serious safety risks.
Teens have the option to disable these controls, allowing them to unlink accounts if desired.
The controls come after incidents linked to ChatGPT, including lawsuits related to safety concerns.
ChatGPT is not recommended for children under 12 due to difficulties in enforcing age restrictions.
OpenAI is working on improving its technology to better predict users' ages.
If a user poses a safety risk, OpenAI will review the situation and notify the parents if needed.
Former President Donald Trump's team has been sharing artificial intelligence (AI) generated images of him in various fantastical scenarios. These images show him in roles like a Jedi or transforming a region into a luxury resort.
Key Facts
Trump's team is posting AI-generated images online.
The images feature Trump in different imaginative scenarios.
One image shows him as a Jedi with a red lightsaber.
Another image depicts him transforming a region into a resort.
The images are gaining attention and being clicked on frequently.
The concept of using AI for these portraits is a noteworthy trend.
Ohio state Representative Thad Claggett has proposed a bill to make it illegal for people to marry artificial intelligence (AI) robots. The bill, called House Bill 469, would ensure AI cannot be considered sentient or given human legal rights, like personhood or marriage. This comes amid national discussions about AI's role in society and its potential risks.
Key Facts
Thad Claggett is an Ohio state representative and the chair of the Ohio House’s Technology and Innovation Committee.
The proposed bill, House Bill 469, aims to prevent AI from being granted personhood or legal rights such as marriage.
The bill states that AI systems should be considered nonsentient, lacking consciousness or self-awareness.
The bill would also stop AI from owning properties or handling financial accounts.
The proposal highlights ongoing debates about AI's integration and regulation in society.
At the federal level, there have been attempts to limit states from regulating AI, but there is opposition from both Republican and Democratic officials who want state-level controls.
Advocates argue that the blurring line between humans and machines could lead to complex legal and social issues.
Hospitals around the world, including those in Dubai, are using data and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve patient care and reduce wait times. These technologies help hospitals track and analyze information to identify areas for improvement, such as discharge processes and insurance claims. While AI offers benefits, there are concerns about potential bias in its use.
Key Facts
Over 30% of the world's data is generated by the healthcare industry.
Hospitals are now using data, especially from electronic health records, to enhance patient care.
Saudi German Hospital in Dubai improved its discharge process using data, raising on-time discharge rates from 20-30% to 80-90%.
The hospital uses AI to predict and manage insurance claim submissions, reducing the risk of rejections.
AI is helping with clinical tasks like interpreting radiology scans, but there are concerns about bias if datasets are not representative.
Hospitals need to ensure AI models are trained with diverse data to avoid biased medical recommendations.
Electronic Arts (EA), a major gaming company, is being bought for $55 billion by a group of buyers, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. This is the largest buyout of its kind, and EA will no longer be traded on the stock market. The deal significantly expands Saudi Arabia's influence in the gaming industry.
Key Facts
Electronic Arts (EA) is being sold for $55 billion to a group that includes the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
The transaction is the largest leveraged buyout ever in the gaming industry, meaning much of the purchase is financed through borrowed money.
EA will be taken private, removing its shares from public trading.
The purchase price is 25% higher than EA's market value, at $210 per share.
EA is known for popular games like EA FC, The Sims, and Mass Effect.
Saudi Arabia has been increasing its involvement in gaming, having acquired other gaming companies in recent years.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund has significant assets due to the country's oil wealth, controlled by Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia has previously been linked to controversies, including allegations of human rights violations.
Researchers in China studied the use of body-released chemicals, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to detect cancer early in mice. They found that these chemicals, which are released through urine, feces, and body odor, can provide clues to the presence of cancer before it fully develops. The study shows potential for noninvasive cancer screening methods, but more research is needed to see if the findings apply to humans.
Key Facts
Researchers in China focused on how body-released chemicals can indicate early cancer presence.
The chemicals studied are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
VOCs can be detected in urine, feces, and body odor.
The study involved inducing tumors in mice and monitoring these chemicals.
They used a technique called gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze the samples.
Cancer signs appeared in urine at week 5 and progressed in odor and feces later.
More research is needed to determine if this method works in humans.
The article discusses Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress from Xicoia, a talent studio linked with Particle6. This virtual actress has gained interest from Hollywood agencies but has also sparked backlash from people in the entertainment industry. Some actors criticized the move, arguing that it diminishes opportunities for real human performers.
Key Facts
Tilly Norwood is an AI-generated actress.
She was created by Xicoia, a spinoff of Particle6, an AI production studio.
Several Hollywood talent agencies have shown interest in her.
The introduction of AI models in media has led to criticism online.
Some actors expressed opposition, saying it affects real human actors.
Eline Van der Velden, creator of Norwood, defended her as a creative work.
The debate reflects ongoing concerns about AI's role in the arts and entertainment industry.
A survey by Google reveals that while 90% of tech professionals use artificial intelligence (AI), only 24% trust it significantly. The survey highlights concerns among tech workers about AI's reliability and potential flaws, despite its productivity benefits.
Key Facts
Google conducted a survey called the DORA report, gathering data from nearly 5,000 tech professionals worldwide.
90% of these professionals use AI in their daily work.
Only 24% of tech workers have significant trust in AI.
80% reported AI improves their productivity, while 59% said it improved code quality.
Trust issues stem from AI's potential biases and lack of accountability.
Job listings for entry-level software engineers decreased by 71% from February 2022 to August 2025.
The unemployment rate for recent computer science graduates is higher than for graduates in fields like art history and English.
Concerns over AI's flaws include potential bias in training data and errors in decision-making processes.
Delta Airlines is partnering with YouTube to offer ad-free entertainment to its passengers. This new service will include popular YouTube creators, podcasts, and music, available on most flights through Delta's new entertainment platform, Delta Sync.
Key Facts
Delta is working with YouTube to offer ad-free content on flights.
Passengers can access this content through Delta Sync Wi-Fi on personal devices or seatback screens.
Featured YouTube creators include MrBeast, Nick DiGiovanni, Mel Robbins, and the Mother Goose Club.
The YouTube content is rolling out on over 930 Delta aircraft.
SkyMiles Members get a 14-day free trial of YouTube Premium starting October 1.
The partnership aims to provide more personalized entertainment by learning from passenger preferences.
Delta Sync will provide flight information like gate and baggage details.
This change was first announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.
China is introducing a new visa, called the "K visa," to attract foreign tech workers, making it easier for them to live and work in China. This move comes as the U.S. has increased fees for its H-1B visas, which are also aimed at attracting skilled tech workers.
Key Facts
China has created a new visa category, the "K visa," for foreign tech specialists.
The K visa allows people to enter, live, and work in China without needing a job offer to start.
The U.S. has increased the fee for H-1B visas to $100,000, affecting foreign workers, mainly from India.
The K visa is meant to attract young professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
China may offer benefits like startup grants or affordable housing to K visa holders.
The changes in the U.S. visa policy might make China more attractive to tech professionals.
The K visa is part of China's strategy to boost its appeal to foreign workers and students.
Eight Sleep is a company that creates a smart mattress cover called the Pod, which helps track and improve sleep. The company recently raised $100 million, reaching a valuation close to $1 billion and plans to expand its operations. Eight Sleep is also pursuing FDA approval for its mattress technology to be recognized as a medical device.
Key Facts
Eight Sleep makes a smart mattress cover called the Pod that tracks sleep.
The Pod helps with heating, cooling, and adjusting elevation.
The company recently raised $100 million in funding.
Eight Sleep's valuation is now almost $1 billion.
The company wants to expand to Asia and open branded retail stores.
Eight Sleep is applying for FDA approval for its product as a medical device.
Well-known figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Lewis Hamilton use Eight Sleep mattresses.
Alexandra Zatarain, co-founder of Eight Sleep, believes the technology could help detect health issues early.
MrBeast defended his latest YouTube video where a man was tied up inside a burning building as part of a challenge to win $500,000. He emphasized that all necessary precautions were taken and the participant was a professional stuntman.
Key Facts
The video is titled “Would You Risk Dying For $500,000?” by MrBeast.
A participant was tied up inside a burning building as part of the challenge.
The video was posted on YouTube and has over 44 million views.
A clip of the video went viral on X, gaining 65 million views.
MrBeast stated that they used ventilation and a kill switch for safety.
The participant was a professional stuntman.
MrBeast assured that safety measures were thoroughly tested.
The video received backlash from social media users.
A BBC cyber correspondent named Joe Tidy was contacted by a criminal group called Medusa, who offered him money to help them hack into the BBC's systems. The criminals wanted Tidy to provide his login details so they could demand a ransom in bitcoin in exchange for not harming the BBC’s data. Medusa operates a ransomware service that helps criminals target various organizations.
Key Facts
Joe Tidy, a BBC cyber correspondent, was approached by criminals offering him a share of ransom money for helping hack the BBC.
The offer came from a person named Syndicate via an encrypted chat app called Signal.
The plan involved using Tidy’s access to install malware or steal data from the BBC, then demand a ransom.
Medusa is a criminal group that provides ransomware tools to hackers.
Syndicate mentioned successful past agreements with insiders at a UK healthcare company and a US emergency services provider.
Medusa operates on Russian-language dark web forums and avoids Russian or allied state targets.
A US public warning highlighted that Medusa has been active for several years, hacking over 300 victims.
An online music series called Jahri's World is making sensory-friendly videos for neurodivergent children. These videos have become very popular on TikTok, with millions of views.
Key Facts
Jahri's World is a music series aimed at neurodivergent kids.
The series features quirky costumes and funny songs.
Its videos are designed to be a sensory-friendly experience.
