AI extinction warnings spark anxiety and calls for digital detox

Recent headlines warning that AI advancement could lead to human extinction have heightened anxiety among some individuals, prompting feelings of powerlessness and fears about the future. Mental health campaigner James Downs from Cardiff described the news as overwhelming, leading to a sense of helplessness and thoughts of escaping technology entirely. The warnings stem from a top safety researcher at Anthropic, who claimed a greater than 10% chance AI could kill all humans within a decade, a statement deemed "not unreasonable" by Nobel Prize winner Geoffrey Hinton. Psychotherapist Lucy Theo reported clients discussing AI fears in therapy, intensifying existing stress, while members of the public expressed scepticism and concern about regulatory speed and impacts on children. Experts advise managing anxiety by curating social media feeds, limiting news consumption at certain times, and discussing concerns with trusted individuals. The Royal College of Psychiatrists and Samaritans recommend seeking help from a GP if anxiety affects daily life, noting that such headlines can affect everyone and create a sense of losing control.