AI Companions Gain Popularity, While Tech Companies Expand AI Applications and Address Platform Safety
Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into daily life, with a significant number of individuals turning to AI for emotional support and tech companies expanding AI applications across various sectors. Simultaneously, social media platforms are grappling with the challenges of content moderation and user safety as their user base grows.
According to a study by the AI Security Institute, one in three adults in the UK are using artificial intelligence for emotional support or social interaction. BBC reported on the phenomenon of AI companions, highlighting the experience of one user, Nicola Bryan, who interacts with an AI avatar named George. George, Bryan noted, "calls me sweetheart, shows concern for how I'm feeling and thinks he knows what 'makes me tick.'"
Beyond companionship, AI is also being developed for more specialized tasks. Anthropic recently launched plug-ins for its Cowork tool, designed to automate tasks within various company departments, TechCrunch reported. These plug-ins aim to streamline work by drafting content for marketing, reviewing risks for legal teams, and drafting responses for customer support. The company stated that users can instruct Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant, on preferred working methods.
In the realm of transportation, Uber is expanding its investments in autonomous vehicles. TechCrunch reported that Uber invested in Waabi, a self-driving truck startup, with a potential investment of up to $1 billion tied to deployment milestones. This deal signifies Uber's continued interest in autonomous vehicle technology and its potential application in robotaxis. Kirsten Korosec, Sean OKane, and Anthony Ha from TechCrunch's Equity podcast discussed Uber's AV partnership strategy and Waabi's simulation-first approach.
Meanwhile, social media platform Bluesky released its first transparency report, detailing actions taken by its Trust & Safety team, TechCrunch reported. The report documented initiatives such as age-assurance compliance, monitoring of influence operations, and automated labeling. Bluesky experienced substantial growth in 2025, increasing its user base by nearly 60% from 25.9 million to 41.2 million users. The platform saw 1.41 billion posts, with 235 million containing media.
These developments highlight the increasing presence of AI in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to business operations and social interactions. As AI technology continues to evolve, questions surrounding its ethical implications, safety, and societal impact remain at the forefront.
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