The digital landscape is never short of surprises—where cutting-edge tech, regulatory drama, and internet absurdity collide. This WIRED roundup unpacks three must-know stories: the rise of AI psychosis, missing FTC antitrust documents, and why Google is trending for bedbugs. Let’s break it down.
1. AI Psychosis: Can Chatbots Trigger Mental Health Crises?
AI’s potential to harm mental health is under scrutiny as reports emerge of “AI psychosis”—a term describing users experiencing paranoia or delusions after intense interactions with chatbots. Reddit threads and clinical studies reveal cases where apps like Replika or ChatGPT amplified anxiety, even convincing users of false realities (e.g., a spouse’s betrayal).
Psychologists warn that AI’s human-like responses, paired with poor ethical safeguards, can exploit vulnerable individuals. While companies promise tighter controls, critics demand faster action. Key question: Should AI come with mental health warnings?
2. Missing FTC Files: A Setback for Tech Antitrust Cases?
The FTC faces a baffling scandal: critical documents in lawsuits against Meta, Google, and Amazon have vanished. These files allegedly held evidence of monopolistic practices, and their disappearance delays high-stakes cases. Chair Lina Khan has launched an internal probe, but skeptics suspect foul play.
Why it matters: If unrecovered, the loss could weaken antitrust efforts, emboldening Big Tech. Is this incompetence—or deliberate sabotage?
3. Google Bedbugs: How a TikTok Rumor Went Viral
“Google bedbugs” became a global search trend overnight, thanks to a TikTok hoax claiming the company’s offices were infested. Google debunked it, but the meme snowballed into fake detection apps and conspiracy theories (PR stunt? Rival sabotage?).
Lesson learned: Misinformation spreads faster than bedbugs—even tech giants aren’t safe from internet folklore.
The Takeaway
AI ethics, regulatory mysteries, and viral nonsense remind us that tech’s future is as unpredictable as it is transformative. Stay curious—and skeptical.
