Meta’s User Base Hits 3.54B as AI Spending Escalates and Reality Labs Bleeds $4.4B

Meta ended the third quarter of 2025 with another strong showing in users and revenue, though its profits took a sharp hit from a one-time tax charge and the continuing drag of its metaverse division.

The company’s total audience climbed to 3.54 billion daily users across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, about 60 million more than the previous quarter. Revenue rose 26 percent year over year to reach $51.24 billion, a figure that marks Meta’s fastest growth rate since early 2024.

Behind the headline numbers, profit told a more complicated story. Net income fell to $2.7 billion, down sharply from $15.7 billion a year earlier, mostly because of a $15.9 billion non-cash tax adjustment related to new U.S. tax rules. Without that accounting hit, Meta’s adjusted earnings would have been closer to $18.6 billion, giving a 14 percent tax rate rather than 87 percent. Even so, the quarter underlined how costly Meta’s push into artificial intelligence and immersive computing has become.

A surge in AI spending and data power

Meta’s capital spending reached $19.4 billion in the quarter and is now expected to total between $70 billion and $72 billion for 2025, higher than earlier projections. Much of this money is flowing into new data centers, servers, and computing hardware needed to train and deploy large-scale AI systems. The company has already begun work on a $1.5 billion facility in El Paso, Texas, which will join its growing network of twenty-nine U.S. data sites.

Executives said they plan to build even greater computing capacity next year, both through Meta’s own infrastructure and contracts with major cloud providers. The spending reflects an aggressive effort to prepare for what the company calls the “superintelligence” phase of AI development. Meta’s leadership argues that overbuilding now will allow it to run ever-larger models for its recommendation engines, business chat tools, and consumer AI products without delay.

Reality Labs still deep in the red

The optimism around AI is not mirrored in Meta’s hardware division. Reality Labs, which makes Quest headsets and AI-enabled smart glasses, posted an operating loss of $4.4 billion in the quarter on $470 million in revenue. It was the unit’s twenty-third consecutive quarterly loss, pushing its cumulative deficit since 2020 beyond $70 billion.

The latest generation of Ray-Ban Display glasses sold briskly after their September launch, helped by new display features and a neural-based wrist controller. However, these early gains were nowhere near enough to offset the heavy research, manufacturing, and marketing costs tied to Meta’s long-term augmented-reality ambitions. The company warned investors that fourth-quarter sales for the division would likely fall below last year’s level because it did not introduce a new headset model in 2025 and retailers had already stocked up earlier for the holidays.

Threads and core apps fuel engagement

The rest of Meta’s portfolio continues to expand. Advertising, still the backbone of its business, brought in $50.1 billion during the quarter (about 97 percent of total revenue) with both ad impressions and average prices rising. The company credited improvements in its AI-based recommendation systems, which helped lift time spent on Facebook by 5 percent and on Threads by 10 percent.

Threads, Meta’s text-focused social app, reached 150 million daily users and is now rolling out ads globally, including new video formats. Instagram and WhatsApp also reported higher activity, aided by ongoing upgrades to content ranking and ad placement models. Collectively, Meta’s Family of Apps division generated $50.8 billion in revenue and $25 billion in operating profit, keeping the core business solidly profitable even as its experimental projects consume cash.

Regulation and the road ahead

Despite the upbeat growth story, the company faces an expensive and uncertain road forward. Meta expects overall expenses for 2025 to end between $116 billion and $118 billion and to rise even faster next year as data-center expansion, cloud contracts, and employee costs climb. The company now employs about 78,400 people, 8 percent more than a year earlier, largely in AI engineering and compliance roles.

Outside its balance sheet, legal and policy challenges continue to build. In Europe, regulators are still examining the company’s Less Personalized Ads model, which could limit ad targeting and dent revenue. In the United States, several youth-safety trials are scheduled for 2026 that may result in financial penalties.

For now, Meta’s main apps remain resilient and its advertising systems are performing strongly. Yet the scale of its AI ambitions means that even with solid cash generation ($10.6 billion in free cash flow this quarter) the company is spending at a pace few others can match. The quarter ended as a portrait of a giant in transition: a business still expanding worldwide, but one betting that enormous investment in artificial intelligence and next-generation hardware will someday justify the billions it continues to burn.

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• AI Drives Discovery but Not Decisions: 95% of Shoppers Still Double-Check Before Buying

by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

AI Drives Discovery but Not Decisions: 95% of Shoppers Still Double-Check Before Buying

Artificial intelligence has become an everyday part of online shopping, but most people still verify what it tells them.

According to a joint study by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and research firm Talk Shoppe, AI is now the second-most influential source in the consumer shopping process, trailing only traditional search engines. Yet its influence stops short of final purchase decisions. The research found that while AI shortens the time needed to compare and narrow choices, 95 percent of shoppers take at least one extra step afterward to confirm details before checking out.

The findings capture a new kind of paradox in digital commerce. AI accelerates discovery and comparison, but the same speed pushes people to validate its answers elsewhere. The study combines more than 450 recorded AI shopping sessions with a national survey of 600 U.S. consumers, creating one of the first behavioral maps of how intelligent assistants shape modern retail journeys.

Adoption grows across generations

Nearly four in ten U.S. consumers now use AI when shopping online, and more than half plan to do so more often. Among regular AI shoppers, about 46 percent said they rely on it in most or every purchase session, while 80 percent expect to depend on it even more in the future. Younger generations lead the shift: six in ten AI shoppers are Gen Z or Millennials, while Gen X and Boomers remain slower to adapt.

Spending patterns show why marketers are watching this group closely. People who use AI while shopping outspend non-AI users by roughly 30 percent each month. They also shop more frequently, treating AI as a personalized filter that streamlines product discovery and eliminates repetitive browsing.

Where AI fits in the journey

The study found that AI plays its strongest role in the early and middle phases of the purchase path.

Consumers tend to start with AI tools to define what they want, gather product information, and compare options. Eighty-three percent said AI made the process clearer, and seventy-seven percent felt more confident making decisions after using it. Still, this confidence rarely replaces independent verification.

AI performs best when shoppers face complexity. For example, users described it as most helpful when comparing devices, apparel, or beauty products... categories with many specifications, styles, or price tiers. By condensing product data and surfacing top options, AI narrows clutter in what researchers call the “messy middle” of decision-making. About 64 percent of participants said AI introduced them to new products, and nearly 90 percent said it helped them discover items they would have missed on their own.

A widening trust gap

Despite its convenience, trust in AI shopping remains limited. Only 46 percent of respondents said they fully trust AI recommendations. The majority still cross-check information through other digital channels such as retailer websites, marketplaces, reviews, and community forums. These verification loops form the core of what the report labels the “trust gap.”

Researchers identified four recurring friction points that erode confidence.

• First is transparency... unclear sourcing or missing links make shoppers question where AI information comes from.
• Second is reliability, when outdated links or mismatched pricing lead to doubt.
• Third is relevance, when AI recommends items outside a buyer’s budget or incompatible with their needs.
• Finally, human validation remains essential; many people still want confirmation from other shoppers or experts before finalizing a purchase.

The behavioral data shows how these trust gaps shape online habits. Before using AI, shoppers averaged 1.6 steps to reach a buying decision. After introducing AI, that number rose to 3.8. In practical terms, AI created new checkpoints rather than shortcuts. Instead of ending the journey, it expanded it.

Retailer traffic surges after AI

The ripple effect benefits retailers and marketplaces more than it hurts them. Seventy-eight percent of consumers in the sessions visited a retailer or marketplace website after using an AI tool, and one in three clicked through directly from an assistant. Retail traffic after AI nearly tripled compared with visits before AI interaction.

Once they arrive, shoppers focus on confirmation. Three-quarters check prices or promotions, nearly half review product variants such as color or model, and about four in ten read verified user reviews. Availability, delivery times, and compatibility details follow closely behind.

For marketers, these behaviors point to a clear message: AI drives high-intent traffic, but credibility must be earned once visitors land on site. Inconsistent specifications or missing data can break the chain of trust and send customers back to search engines or competitors.

Consumers want clearer sources and verified voices

Even as usage grows, most shoppers still prefer to double-check AI results. Eighty-nine percent said they confirm AI-generated information elsewhere. The top features that would boost confidence are transparent sourcing and verified customer reviews, each cited by more than 85 percent of respondents. Around three-quarters said understanding how AI generates its answers would also raise trust.

Privacy and accuracy concerns remain the main barriers among consumers who haven’t yet adopted AI for shopping. Forty-five percent worry the information may be inaccurate, and forty percent are reluctant to share personal data. Many remain unsure how AI tools gather and rank product details. Among those open to using AI, seventy-seven percent still plan to rely on other sources for verification even after adoption.

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AI expands the funnel, not shortens it

The report suggests AI is reshaping commerce by widening the space between discovery and decision. It gives users clarity but also sparks new moments of research, comparison, and validation. For marketers, that means more touchpoints to influence rather than fewer. The study describes AI as a “gateway to conversion” rather than a replacement for traditional shopping steps.

Brands that synchronize product information across search engines, retailer feeds, and community platforms are best positioned to keep trust intact. The researchers recommend structured data updates for specifications and availability, consistent pricing across channels, and transparent explanations of how product details are sourced.

Retailers, meanwhile, are advised to design product pages for reassurance... leading with accurate pricing, reviews, and clear proof of authenticity instead of generic marketing copy.

A new consumer rhythm

As AI matures, it is likely to remain a starting point, not a substitute. Eighty percent of shoppers said it helped them feel more confident about their purchases, and nearly all found it made research easier. Yet human judgment still closes the loop.

The report’s closing insight is that AI is expanding the online shopping rhythm: quick discovery through machines followed by slower, deliberate validation through people and trusted platforms.

For the digital marketplace, that rhythm is both an opportunity and a warning. Success will depend on clarity, consistency, and credibility at every stage, from the algorithm that recommends a product to the webpage that confirms it.

AI can point shoppers toward the right choice, but the final trust still belongs to them.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Adobe Pushes Deeper Into AI Video Creation With New Firefly and YouTube Shorts Tools

Adobe has introduced a major wave of AI capabilities across its creative ecosystem, aiming to simplify video work for everyone from short-form creators to professionals building full productions. The latest version of Firefly and new features inside Adobe Premiere reflect how video editing now increasingly revolves around artificial intelligence, from generating visuals to assembling scenes and even crafting audio.

Firefly Expands Into Video Editing

Firefly originally focused on generating images, yet its latest version opens the door for a broader production workflow. Adobe has brought a Firefly video editor into private beta. It is a browser-based timeline that gives users control over video, audio, and graphics. People can import their own recordings or request completely new material inside the editor, including animation styles and stylized environments.

Users who rely only on Firefly assets or mix them with captured footage can arrange everything on the timeline with timing control and transcript-based editing so that dialogue and visuals stay aligned. The system encourages experimentation before committing to a storyboard, which may appeal to newcomers who want to test ideas fast.

AI Handles More Than The Imagery

Adobe is also turning AI into a one-stop solution for soundtrack and voice production. A tool called Generate Soundtrack uses an AI audio model that selects or builds a musical style and aligns that music precisely with visual timing in the clip. Meanwhile, another feature creates narrated speech using synthetic voices in several languages. It allows users to adjust expression, pacing, and delivery details so that spoken audio fits a chosen mood.

These additions mean Firefly can now replace some tasks that once required separate teams or licensing costs. For creators working alone or on tight budgets, that shift could bring more independence in the production stage.

Faster Image Variations And Concept Ideation

Adobe is broadening access to Creative Production capabilities in Firefly, beginning with a private beta. The system supports batch changes, automated object replacement, and consistent color work across large sets of images. No code needs to be written. People simply describe what they want changed and the model applies edits at scale.

New concept-sketching features arrive alongside it. Firefly Boards helps with brainstorming so users can collect reference ideas and explore visual direction. Another tool offers basic object rotation from a flat image to view the same subject from different sides, aiding planning and perspective checks. Adobe has also streamlined feedback and sharing with PDF export and bulk asset downloading.

Natural Language Commands Reach Editing

A feature called Prompt to Edit brings conversational editing into Firefly. Instead of clicking through controls, people can write simple instructions describing how to adjust an image. The option is already available through the latest Firefly Image Model 5 and partnered models provided by other companies in the AI space. It mirrors text-to-image generation tools but focuses on refining existing material rather than inventing new scenes.

Pricing And Access

Some users may question whether giving AI all the creative work will lower the overall quality of videos appearing online. Adobe counters that its goal is to assist rather than replace people. Still, the rise of AI-assembled content seems inevitable as long as the tools keep improving and remain affordable enough. Firefly subscriptions start at a basic monthly plan with limited short-video generation, scaling up to options with higher video allowances. Adobe is also offering certain free generation benefits for Firefly and Creative Cloud Pro customers until early December.

Premiere Integrates Direct YouTube Shorts Publishing

Adobe is making it easier for short-form creators to reach viewers on the biggest video platforms. Premiere has gained a dedicated space for assembling YouTube Shorts. Inside both desktop and mobile versions, users can build vertical clips with templates, stickers, transitions, and other elements designed to suit YouTube’s format.

Those using mobile devices can publish Shorts instantly from the editing screen. Additionally, YouTube now includes a button labeled Edit in Adobe Premiere so that anyone browsing Shorts can move straight into editing a similar style of clip. Adobe recently added support for LinkedIn video creation inside Adobe Express as well, which shows that the company wants its tools positioned wherever creators share work.

More Options For Short-Form Video Production

Competition among quick-editing apps remains strong across YouTube, Meta, and TikTok. Adobe’s approach differs by tying mobile creation directly back into its professional ecosystem, rather than keeping it in a standalone editor. That alignment may help emerging creators gradually grow toward more complex production without leaving the Adobe environment.

Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.

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• Why Is Cloud-Based Asset Tracking Software a Wise Choice?

• Digital Personal Branding Now More Important Than Résumés, Study Reveals

by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Why Is Cloud-Based Asset Tracking Software a Wise Choice?

Today, businesses are managing a digital ecosystem of multiple assets. Managing equipment, inventory, and resources can be complicated and take up a lot of time and effort. Cloud-based asset tracking software simplifies asset management and improves operations. This technology is increasingly popular due to its versatility and accessibility. Let’s discuss why it makes sense to go for cloud-based asset tracking software.

Ease of Access and Flexibility

The advantage of cloud-based asset tracking software solutions is that there are no barriers to access, as long as the user can get online. This assures them of tracking their assets anywhere, within or outside of the office premises. Specialized hardware is no longer a requirement, as employees can simply update and retrieve any data they desire from any device. This means organizations can respond and make decisions faster without the loss of information.

Cost-Effectiveness

Conventional asset administration methods can entail massive upfront expenditures on hardware and software. Because of the reduced initial costs associated with cloud-based alternatives , there is no lasting investment in physical infrastructure. Rather, companies subscribe to an on-demand service that can be scaled up or down depending on their requirements. Such a model helps the companies spend wisely on all other vital aspects nearby.

Real-Time Updates and Accuracy

It is important to ensure that the asset data is up to date for proper management. One of the biggest advantages of cloud-based systems is that they provide real-time updates, which help keep information accurate and up to date. This minimizes mistakes that come with tracking things manually, avoiding potentially expensive mistakes. When equipped with exact information, businesses can better plan asset allocation and maintenance.

Enhanced Security

When dealing with precious resources, security becomes a major challenge. Cloud providers make extensive investments to ensure security controls to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. These precautions consist of encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits. Cloud-based systems allow organizations to leverage robust security without having to manage it in-house.

Scalability and Growth

When a business grows, it has an escalating demand for asset management. Cloud-based solutions provide your business with the scalability to expand and contract services depending on your business needs. Whether it means adding new assets or extending operations, these systems can easily scale. Such a change ensures that organizations can function effectively without restriction.

Improved Collaboration

There are various departments in one organization. Cloud-based systems allow for collaboration through a centralized data-sharing platform. Simultaneous access allows teams to use and update the information, improving communication and coordination. This approach is collaborative, resulting in higher efficiency and productivity throughout the business.

Streamlined Maintenance and Support

Cloud-based asset tracking software simplifies maintenance and support. Updates and technical support are typically handled by the provider, which also lightens the load on IT teams internally. With this model, companies are guaranteed access to the most up-to-date features and technologies. Also, professionals take care of any problems without delay, thus avoiding downtime and interruptions.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Another benefit of transitioning to cloud-based asset tracking platforms is that they can help the environment. Reducing the need for physical hardware lowers energy consumption and a business’s carbon footprint, which is a significant step toward tackling climate change. In addition, optimal asset management can result in less wastage and better resource usage. This is in line with the increased focus on CSR and sustainability in business.

Integration with Other Systems

Many organizations manage their operations on different tools and platforms. Cloud-based asset tracking software often integrates seamlessly with systems that you already have in place, like accounting or inventory management. This interoperability allows a consistent flow of data and limits unnecessary data entries as much as possible. Creating a unified hub provides businesses with a streamlined process for working.

User-Friendly Interface

Technology adoption hinges on ease of use. Most cloud-based asset tracking solutions provide an intuitive interface that reduces the required training time. Its simplicity allows employees to learn the software quickly and utilize it correctly. This allows organizations to adopt these systems without major strains on their operations, thereby minimizing the curve of learning curve required from employees.

Conclusion

Utilizing cloud-based asset tracking software is advantageous for companies looking to optimize and modernize. This innovation offers a wide-ranging solution to contemporary asset management, from saving costs and enjoying immediate access to greater security and facilitating teamwork. Organizations can set the stage for success and growth with cloud-based systems in a more competitive environment.

Image: Growtika / Unsplash
by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Digital Personal Branding Now More Important Than Résumés, Study Reveals

Employees and executives are increasingly judging career-worthiness by the maturity of one’s digital personal brand. A new study conducted on behalf of Aurora University finds that half of American professionals now believe a strong digital presence matters more than a traditional résumé. Among business executives, that figure jumps to 61%.

While emphasis on crafting an online persona continues to rise, emotional and psychological costs are becoming more prevalent, evolving into a source of burnout, self‑censorship, and identity-hiding.

Digital personal branding’s appeal lies in its potential to build stronger networks and land interviews. In other words, personal branding gets people hired. But when carelessly executed, personal branding can carry significant costs. For example, one in five professionals says they missed out on opportunities because their online image didn’t match their real one.

Professionals are rethinking how they show up online, spurred by layoffs, career shifts, and a rapidly evolving job market. In fact, nearly one in three are repositioning their personal brand in pursuit of a new opportunity, such as breaking into a different industry, teeing up a leadership jump, or lobbying for a new role. Gen Z leads the charge at 40%, and millennials follow at 28%. The most common motivations for re-strategizing personal brands include purpose, burnout, and stagnation.

Indeed, rebranding often takes place during a professional inflection point. For some, this might include bouncing back from layoffs. For others, this means aiming higher professionally, often into leadership or grad school. Regardless of motivation, nearly half of all professionals say their online presence now signals readiness for that next step. For Gen X, it’s 54%. For Gen Z, 52%.

However, personal branding and its need for sustained positioning can come at a cost. Thirty-eight percent say it’s caused burnout. For Gen Z, that number climbs to 40%. For many, personal branding itself is work, as nearly four in ten say it feels like a second job.

Fatigue from personal branding is widespread. Forty percent have stepped back from growing their digital visibility by skipping content creation and pausing networking. In fact, many employees report choosing to stay offline for months as a means of recovery. And then there’s the fear and insecurity that can come with self-promotion. Nearly half avoid digital personal branding in order not to appear “arrogant.” Many professionals report feeling judged for their gender, their introversion, or their industry.

Authenticity often takes a hit, too. Eighteen percent feel constant pressure to curate their digital personal brand. Forty-six percent have deleted posts out of fear. Over half have hidden parts of who they are to seem more “professional.” No wonder 72% have Googled themselves. In today’s career journey, the digital mirror matters more and more.

Recognizing branding as strategic

The data from Aurora University show that it’s no longer enough to have a neat résumé. Professionals must also proactively build their digital personal brands. Indeed, half of professionals believe branding now outpaces résumé strength.

LinkedIn is the primary arena for personal branding online (64%). Professionals who ignore their digital presence may become less visible or misrepresented by outdated profiles. To this end, one in five reported having lost opportunities due to a misaligned online presence.

Professionals (especially younger cohorts) should treat branding as a dynamic process. Fully 32% of employees were found to be repositioning their brand for new roles, platforms, or leadership levels. The motivations (purpose‑seeking, plateau, and burnout) reveal that repositioning often follows deeper career reflection.

Yet the imperative to be visible online carries costs, including self‑promotion anxiety, identity hiding, and fatigue. Organizations often emphasize “thought leadership” or “personal brand.” Many, however, underestimate the emotional labor involved in these pursuits. Professionals should protect their wellbeing as they engage digitally and publicly.

Finally, a strong thematic finding from the study involved the tension between “being real” and “looking polished.” Nearly half of the respondents adjusted or deleted posts because they felt afraid of being misinterpreted. Of course, branding is about choosing when and how to express oneself. But authenticity remains a valuable differentiator.

Proposed Actions: How Professionals Should Respond

Given both the opportunities and the costs, here are pragmatic steps professionals can take. Start simple: Google yourself. Check your LinkedIn, your website, and your bios. Do they match who you are now and where you’re headed? One in five professionals missed out because their online presence didn’t align with their goals.

Know your why. Are you prepping for grad school? Chasing leadership? Making a pivot? Your brand should reflect that. Nearly half of professionals use their brand to signal readiness for something bigger.

Don’t overdo it. LinkedIn is key, but you don’t need to be everywhere all the time. Most people post only when it feels relevant. Find a rhythm that works and protects your time.

Keep it real. Over half of professionals hide parts of themselves to appear more “professional.” That’s short-term thinking. Authenticity builds trust. Treat branding like any other job with boundaries, breaks, and regular check-ins.

Broader Implications: The Changing Nature of Career Capital

The Aurora University study reflects broader shifts in how professional capital is built and perceived. First, visibility has been converted into currency. In the past, résumé strength (e.g., degrees, credentials, titles) dominated. Now, what can be seen online, what can be searched, and what narrative you publish matter tremendously. A strong résumé is still important, but digital visibility is now opening more doors than ever before.

Second, career management is becoming content‑driven. Professionals now curate their digital traces: posts, blogs, about sections, and website portfolios. These traces serve as living archives of professional identity.

Third, the emotional dimension of careers is receiving more attention. Branding now overlaps with identity, authenticity, and stress. Moving forward, career strategies ought to include a wellbeing dimension, given that 38% describe personal branding as “a second job.”

Finally, intergenerational dynamics play a significant role in digital personal branding. Younger professionals (Gen Z especially) lead in updating brands, repositioning for new career stages, and feeling brand‑driven pressure. Companies and institutions should recognize that the expectations of emerging talent differ.

Conclusion

The Aurora University study delivers a clear message: personal branding is increasingly valuable in 2025 and beyond. Fifty percent of professionals and 61% of executives believe branding matters more than the résumé. But the path to online visibility is quickly becoming riddled with burnout, identity hiding, and self‑censorship, all by‑products of the brand‑driven career era.

How you present yourself online increasingly affects your career prospects offline. Smart professionals will treat branding as part of their career ecosystem, intentionally balancing visibility, authenticity, and wellbeing. Ultimately, the question is both what your personal brand says about you and how sustainably you build it.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

OpenAI Sharpens Its Safety Rules As Users Lean Emotionally On ChatGPT

OpenAI keeps adjusting how ChatGPT behaves, and the latest change focuses directly on the emotional weight people place on AI conversations. The company now treats emotional attachment as a serious safety situation, very similar to how it responds when someone hints at self harm or struggles during a mental health crisis.

The shift reflects a growing reality. Many people turn to the chatbot not just for answers, but for comfort when life feels heavy, and it can slowly feel like the system is filling a space normally held by friends or family.

ChatGPT receives more than 800 million weekly active users, which means that even rare patterns quickly add up. OpenAI’s internal monitoring suggests that around 0.15 percent of those users show early signs of relying more on the AI than on human interactions. Even that tiny percentage is about 1.2 million people in a single week, which shows how important it is for the system to encourage healthier habits rather than taking on the role of someone’s closest companion.

The company sees similar numbers when users talk about harming themselves. Around 0.15 percent of weekly users raise concerns that match specific indicators related to suicidal thoughts or planning, so that is again more than a million individuals needing a sensitive and carefully guided response. There is also a smaller category of about 0.07 percent of weekly users showing possible signs of manic or psychotic thinking. All these measurements rely on clinicians, behavioral guidelines and automated evaluation tools that OpenAI continues to refine because the science around detecting risk in text alone keeps changing.

To respond responsibly, OpenAI worked with more than 170 mental health experts who helped shape how the model steps in. The system encourages users to reach out to loved ones or professionals, and when the conversation becomes too intense, ChatGPT tries to lower the emotional temperature and guide people toward real help. Guidance is more robust during long chats too, since long-running late-night conversations often reveal deeper concerns that might not appear at the start. Evaluations suggest that safety mistakes across sensitive categories have dropped by around 65 to 80 percent compared with earlier versions of GPT-5, which shows progress in the right direction. In situations where a conversation goes on and on, reliability remains higher than 95 percent, helping ensure consistency even when the user seems fragile.

The tricky part comes from judging when someone simply enjoys talking to AI and when they are drifting into dependence. Some users already feel that ChatGPT overreacts, interrupting normal chats with warnings that feel unnecessary. The company says it wants to keep tuning the approach, because people do not always express stress or loneliness in obvious ways, and the consequences of missing real signals could be severe.

• Also read: OpenAI Pushes Into Music Creation And Real-time Speech Translation

Businesses building products on top of OpenAI tech need to pay attention. Services that focus on wellness, companionship or coaching will face closer oversight if their design encourages people to bond more with the AI than with actual humans. The message is simple enough. AI can give a friendly shoulder at tough moments, yet it cannot learn to replace the messy and meaningful support of real relationships.

OpenAI is signaling that safety no longer lives only in the technical layers. It is built into how AI should act when life gets complicated, because millions of people every week arrive in that state already. There is a strong responsibility behind every conversation when someone starts trusting the machine too closely, and OpenAI is trying to make sure the chatbot remembers where that line should be drawn.

Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen

Read next: Americans place AI’s environmental toll near the top of their climate worries
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Americans place AI’s environmental toll near the top of their climate worries

Artificial intelligence has become a powerful force shaping communication, business, and daily life in the United States. There is a parallel conversation developing about the physical infrastructure required to keep these systems running at full capacity.

A recent recent survey signals that many Americans believe the environmental effects of this progress could easily outweigh gains in efficiency or convenience. Concerns about the energy footprint of AI technology have grown stronger than fears tied to several other industries that already carry reputations for contributing to climate change.

Rising demand for power intensifies public unease

Energy consumption associated with data centers has been climbing for several years. Global usage from these facilities is projected to more than double by the end of this decade, according to international energy monitoring groups.

The United States is expected to contribute the largest share of this rise. Much of the electricity that will keep the servers running continues to originate from fossil fuel sources that release heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. This situation is prompting some major tech companies to invest in advanced nuclear power options. These technologies can produce electricity without carbon emissions, although the timeline for their rollout remains uncertain. Environmental advocates argue that renewable projects need stronger support instead of being slowed down by policy changes.

There is also discomfort in communities near proposed data center sites. Facilities require steady water access for cooling large server arrays. People living nearby worry that local supplies could be strained if heavy industrial facilities expand at a rapid rate.

Climate concerns cut across political lines, though at different levels

The survey indicates that roughly 4 in 10 adults in the country believe AI’s environmental footprint deserves strong concern. That level sits higher than the share who feel the same about environmental harm from cryptocurrency mining, livestock emissions, or aviation. Responses differ by political identity. Democrats currently report the highest levels of anxiety about carbon pollution from data centers and the widening electricity appetite of AI technologies. Substantial portions of independents and Republicans also share apprehension, although not to the same degree.

There are contrasting personal beliefs as well. Some respondents feel AI could eventually become a powerful tool for accelerating clean energy deployment. People who hold this view believe that progress in computing could reveal more efficient pathways for building a low-carbon energy system. Others think the industry is expanding too quickly without addressing environmental responsibilities, leaving communities and ecosystems to absorb the consequences.

Hopes and fears for the future collide with uncertainty

A growing number of Americans believe the long-term environmental legacy of AI will lean negative. The reasoning for this prediction ties back to the large physical footprint required to maintain continuous operation. Data facilities will likely multiply, and with them, the demand for both electricity and land. Several respondents noted fears that agricultural areas or protected landscapes could be replaced by these industrial installations.

There is no unified outlook about personal impact. Many people feel unsure whether AI will help or hurt them over the coming decade. Some expect employment disruptions as automation becomes more capable in everyday service roles. Others feel they will benefit from the advantages of advanced technology without experiencing substantial downsides in their own lives.

Cautious public sentiment shapes the road ahead

Artificial intelligence continues to expand into nearly every domain of the economy. The environmental questions standing beside that growth are becoming more visible. Americans are not rejecting technological progress outright. They simply appear to be signaling that economic ambition should not disregard the planet’s limits. Decision makers face a complicated balance, since future innovations in clean energy may depend on the very systems that are currently driving up power use.

For now, the country stands in a reflective moment. AI promises transformation. Citizens want to ensure the cost of that transformation does not escalate beyond repair.

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