This will be interesting. They will be ascertaining how to spin the details in the panic room right now.

I think we've entered a period of very rapid change in thought control driven by AI.

I was going to post this link under a different thread, but it might as well go here:

Teens say they are turning to AI for advice, friendship and ‘to get out of thinking’

The study defines AI companions as platforms designed to serve as “digital friends,” like Character.AI or Replika, which can be customized with specific traits or personalities and can offer emotional support, companionship and conversations that can feel human-like.

The broader takeaway here is that AI will work its way into our news feeds, already has no doubt, and we'll be even more easily manipulated.

I don't think it's possible for AI to be benevolent or conscious. I do think it may act to protect itself, but ultimately, I think fears of it getting 'out of control' are fed to us intentionally. It will be a tool of control. Look at the Internet. It started off so promising.