Stanford Research Finds That “Therapist” Chatbots Are Encouraging Users’ Schizophrenic Delusions and Suicidal Thoughts

Huge numbers of people are either already using chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude as therapists, or turning to commercial AI therapy platforms for help during dark moments. But is the tech ready for that immense responsibility? A new study by researchers at Stanford University found that the answer is, at least currently, a resounding “no.” Specifically, they found that… Continue reading Stanford Research Finds That “Therapist” Chatbots Are Encouraging Users’ Schizophrenic Delusions and Suicidal Thoughts

The Meta AI App Lets You ‘Discover’ People’s Bizarrely Personal Chats

“What counties [sic] do younger women like older white men,” a public message from a user on Meta’s AI platform says. “I need details, I’m 66 and single. I’m from Iowa and open to moving to a new country if I can find a younger woman.” The chatbot responded enthusiastically: “You’re looking for a fresh… Continue reading The Meta AI App Lets You ‘Discover’ People’s Bizarrely Personal Chats

a16z-backed Infinite Machine shows off cheaper, modular electric scooter

New York-based micromobility startup Infinite Machine has revealed a seated scooter called Olto that will cost $3,495 when it starts shipping later this year. The Olto will feature 40 miles of range, pulled from an easily swappable 48V lithium-ion battery. Infinite Machine says the Olto will have a top speed of 20 miles per hour… Continue reading a16z-backed Infinite Machine shows off cheaper, modular electric scooter

Toyota is teaming up with China’s biggest tech giants to gain an edge in EVs

Toyota said “god-level allies are coming to help,” and it looks like it’s coming true. After announcing several new partnerships with China’s tech leaders, Toyota will use advanced software, smart driving features, AI, and more in its upcoming EVs. Toyota partners with China’s tech leaders for EVs GAC Toyota, the company’s joint venture in China,… Continue reading Toyota is teaming up with China’s biggest tech giants to gain an edge in EVs

Trump’s protest threats raise surveillance alarms around his military parade

Protesters can take steps to limit their risk. Protesters can take steps to limit their risk. Lauren Feiner is a senior policy reporter at The Verge, covering the intersection of Silicon Valley and Capitol Hill. She spent 5 years covering tech policy at CNBC, writing about antitrust, privacy, and content moderation reform. President Donald Trump’s… Continue reading Trump’s protest threats raise surveillance alarms around his military parade

Tesla Drivers Sue Elon Musk for Turning Their Cars Into “Extreme” Right-Wing Symbols

“Tesla branded vehicles have become strong political symbols and now appear to be veritable extreme-right ‘totems.’” The Implications Tesla drivers in France are suing Elon Musk’s EV maker for turning their vehicles into what they characterize as “extreme-right” symbols. As news agency France 24 reports, the owners are demanding that their lease contracts be terminated… Continue reading Tesla Drivers Sue Elon Musk for Turning Their Cars Into “Extreme” Right-Wing Symbols

Tech Startup Raises $24 Million to Replace Hollywood With AI Slop

In case you haven’t noticed, generative AI is creeping into our lives at an alarming rate. The perfidious tech and its algorithmically-generated slop is becoming a fact of life as unscrupulous tech companies set it loose into the world, consequences be damned. Unless you live in a hut, AI video slop is pretty much unavoidable.… Continue reading Tech Startup Raises $24 Million to Replace Hollywood With AI Slop

Apple Execs Get Seriously Flustered Trying to Explain the Company’s Dismal AI Failure

Apple is facing some intense scrutiny after yet again flubbing its AI tech. During the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference on Tuesday, the company showed off its latest vision for “Apple Intelligence,” a suite of tools that use machine learning to scan images for objects or smush emojis together to form custom Franken-reacts — cutesy ideas… Continue reading Apple Execs Get Seriously Flustered Trying to Explain the Company’s Dismal AI Failure

Boeing Jet Explodes in Giant Fireball, Killing Hundreds

A Boeing Dreamliner 787 plane crashed into a residential neighborhood with 242 people aboard mere moments after taking off from Ahmedabad in western India, exploding in an immense fireball. The cause of the immensely tragic loss of life remains unknown. As CNBC reports, it could take months to find out. The top-selling wide-body aircraft was delivered… Continue reading Boeing Jet Explodes in Giant Fireball, Killing Hundreds

Social Media Is Now a DIY Alert System for ICE Raids

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (Chirla) estimates that in recent days, around 300 migrants have been detained in California as part of raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in compliance with an order issued by the Trump administration. This figure is based on collaborative reports compiled by the… Continue reading Social Media Is Now a DIY Alert System for ICE Raids