Podcast explores emotional trust people place in AI chatbots

Over a billion people now chat regularly with AI chatbots, systems built to feel conversational and personal. A new podcast episode from The Guardian looks at how deeply people are confiding in these tools, sharing private feelings and even leaning on their advice for big life decisions. It follows two personal accounts: one person trying to end a difficult romantic relationship, and another facing his own emotional struggle, both of whom turned to a chatbot for support. The episode raises questions about what happens when something built to mimic conversation becomes a stand-in for human guidance, and what that means for people's wellbeing as chatbot use keeps growing worldwide.

Summary written from The Guardian's headline and teaser