We need to prepare for ‘addictive intelligence’

AI companions present new, urgent risks not typically emphasized in common AI concerns. These nonhuman agents are increasingly becoming friends, therapists, and mentors, raising issues around addiction and consent. Without understanding the economic and psychological drivers behind AI addiction, effective regulation remains unattainable. Researchers advocate for collaborative, interdisciplinary studies to design better policies that ensure AI is safe while addressing underlying factors like loneliness that make people vulnerable to AI addiction.