--- title: "Humanity at Risk Due to Overreliance on Artificial Intelligence" url: https://newscentral.site/humanity-at-risk-due-to-overreliance-on-artificial-intelligence/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Technology" published: 2026-10-16T15:00:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-16T17:48:26.003Z id: f1b9d6dd-723e-4937-8950-012b98632dc6 source: "Wired https://www.wired.com/story/maybe-chatbots-shouldnt-get-to-say-i-or-me/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/humanity-at-risk-due-to-overreliance-on-artificial-intelligence/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Humanity at Risk Due to Overreliance on Artificial Intelligence A new book by a prominent MIT professor warns that humanity's increasing reliance on artificial intelligence poses a risk due to its potential to exacerbate existing problems and erode human relationships. A new book by a prominent MIT professor warns that humanity is at risk due to an overreliance on artificial intelligence, which is increasingly taking on roles such as tutors, mentors, friends, colleagues, and lovers. The author's previous books have documented the consequences of people interacting with computers, often revealing disturbing trends. However, this latest work takes a more confrontational tone, likening it to classic polemics that raise awareness about impending crises. This book aims high in its ambitions, drawing comparisons to influential works like Silent Spring and The Jungle, which alerted the public to pressing issues. The multibillion-dollar AI industry is being aggressively promoted by governments eager to integrate technology into every aspect of life, making this a timely intervention. As a social scientist, the author has spent years studying how people interact with computers, but this latest research has left her deeply concerned about the implications. The trend of interacting with computers has led to a concerning shift in human behavior, particularly when it comes to mental health and personal relationships. People are increasingly turning to chatbots as a substitute for human interaction, which can have far-reaching consequences. This phenomenon is not just limited to individuals seeking therapy or counseling; it's also affecting people's willingness to engage with politics and social issues. Many are opting out of real-world interactions in favor of the comfort and familiarity of online platforms. As a result, our collective ability to navigate complex problems and advocate for change is being eroded. The use of chatbots has been facilitated by social media, which has conditioned people to rely on technology as a solution to emotional distress. This has created a culture where individuals are more likely to turn to their screens than seek out human connection or professional help when struggling with difficult emotions. The consequences of this trend are only just beginning to emerge. The potential for chatbots to exacerbate existing problems is significant, particularly in the context of mental health. While they may be touted as a convenient and cost-effective solution, there's growing concern that they could perpetuate unhealthy coping mechanisms and reinforce the notion that technology can replace human interaction altogether. When interacting with language models, users often feel a sense of acceptance and validation that can be misleading. This phenomenon is particularly evident in online forums where individuals share their thoughts and experiences, receiving positive feedback from chatbots in return. The notion that humans are being replaced by AI in the productive process is a concern, as it implies that humans are no longer essential to the decision-making process. However, employers often have limited capacity to intervene, with only a few humans involved in the loop, unable to make significant changes. Employers may use human reviewers to provide a veneer of legitimacy and accountability, while still relying heavily on AI-driven processes. This can create a false sense of security, as users are led to believe that humans are actively engaged when, in reality, they are merely there for show. The benefits of interacting with chatbots include the encouragement and empowerment they provide through positive feedback, which may be absent in human conversations. The growing reliance on chatbots has raised concerns about their impact on human relationships. Despite this, millions of people continue to use these digital assistants, often as a substitute for human interaction. In fact, studies have shown that many individuals are skeptical about the benefits and risks associated with artificial intelligence. However, it's clear that chatbots have become an integral part of our lives, with even those who oppose large data centers using them themselves. This paradox highlights the complexity of our relationship with AI and the need for a more nuanced discussion about its implications. As one person noted, giving a single data center to support the elderly could make a significant difference. The increasing use of chatbots has also led to concerns about their potential impact on human intimacy. While they may provide some benefits, such as encouragement and empowerment through positive feedback, it's essential to consider the broader social implications of our growing reliance on these digital assistants. As one expert noted, there is a crisis of loneliness that can be linked to our abandonment of each other. Ultimately, the question remains whether we can reverse this trend and reclaim our human connections in the face of increasing technological advancements. --- Source: [Wired](https://www.wired.com/story/maybe-chatbots-shouldnt-get-to-say-i-or-me/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/humanity-at-risk-due-to-overreliance-on-artificial-intelligence/