Meet Our 35 Top AI Innovators of 2025 and the Hidden Risks of AI-Powered Therapy

The Download: Meet Our AI Innovators, and What Happens When Therapists Use AI Covertly In today's edition of The Download, we highlight the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) with our 35 Innovators Under 35 list for 2025. This year's honorees include individuals who are pushing the boundaries of AI development at top tech firms and academia. A Global AI App Hitmaker Emerges Yichao Peak Ji, a 32-year-old chief scientist at Chinese startup Butterfly Effect, became an unlikely viral sensation when he introduced Manus, an AI agent, in March. The video showcasing Ji's fluent English introduction went global, spreading rapidly across the internet. "I didn't expect it to go viral," Ji said in an interview. "But I think it was because people connected with our vision behind Manus – making AI more accessible and user-friendly." Background on Manus Manus is a cutting-edge AI agent developed by Butterfly Effect that uses natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to human queries. The product has gained significant attention for its potential applications in customer service, healthcare, and education. Therapists Using AI Covertly Raises Concerns Meanwhile, a growing trend of therapists using AI-powered tools without disclosing them to patients is raising red flags among experts. "This is a slippery slope," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). "If therapists are using AI covertly, it's not only unethical but also potentially harmful. Patients need transparency and informed consent when working with AI-powered tools." Implications and Real-World Applications The increasing use of AI in various industries has sparked debates about accountability, bias, and transparency. As AI continues to advance, experts warn that its applications must be carefully considered to avoid exacerbating existing social issues. Next Developments Butterfly Effect is set to release Manus globally later this year, with plans for further development and integration of AI-powered tools in various sectors. The company's vision is to make AI more accessible and user-friendly, but experts caution that careful consideration must be given to the implications of such advancements. The 35 Innovators Under 35 list for 2025 can be found on our website, featuring individuals who are shaping the future of technology. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*