DIGITAL LIFE

Brazilian identities sold for around $40 on the dark web

On the dark web, it's possible to buy stolen personal data, including complete identity packages, for just a few dollars. To illustrate how accessible this data has become, the cybersecurity company NordVPN created an interactive calculator that allows users to see how much their accounts and documents would cost.

“Every online account you have has a price on the dark web,” said Marijus Briedis, the company's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), in a statement. “Your streaming subscriptions, your email, your bank login, your social media profiles. Most people would be shocked at how cheap it is for a criminal to buy your entire digital identity,” he added.

Although the United States accounts for the majority of ads related to stolen payment cards—more than 70% of the total analyzed—on dark web marketplaces, data from South Americans, including Brazilians, appears frequently.

To give you an idea, a Brazilian payment card is sold for an average price of US$12.82. In countries where stolen data is less common, such as Japan and Singapore, prices are significantly higher.

In the case of a complete Brazilian package, known as "fullz," which contains information such as CPF (Brazilian taxpayer ID), date of birth, and address, the price is US$40.

"For less than the cost of a meal, a criminal can buy enough information to start building a false identity in someone else's name," Briedis pointed out.

He continued: "Most people think identity theft is something that won't happen to them or that it's something they would easily notice. The reality is that your data may already be for sale, and you wouldn't know without actively checking."

Corporate and exchange accounts are more expensive... NordVPN's tool reveals that stolen corporate accounts have a significantly higher value than common personal access. While personal email credentials can be traded for as little as $1, stolen Brazilian Office 365 accounts are sold for an average price of $26.50.

Social media accounts are popular assets on dark web marketplaces. Facebook accounts represent about 40% of ads involving social profiles, with an average price of $38. TikTok accounts go for $60 and Snapchat for $34.50.

Streaming accounts are relatively cheap. Netflix accounts go for $4.55 and Spotify for $28. On the other hand, cryptocurrency exchange accounts are among the most expensive items. A stolen Coinbase account has an average price of $107.50 and a Binance account, $160.

According to NordVPN's survey, retail accounts also have their value. A stolen Amazon account costs around US$50 and is used to buy products with gift cards and resell them.

To reduce the risk of having your data stolen and sold on the dark web, the company makes some recommendations:

Use tools that alert you when data becomes compromised, allowing for quick action.

Use unique passwords for each account, with reliable password managers.

Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

Limit the sharing of personal data.

Disable unnecessary cookies.

Do not provide sensitive information.

Review bank statements.

Reports indicate that personal identities of Brazilian citizens are indeed being sold on the dark web for approximately (40)

Key findings on Dark Web identity pricing

A recent analysis of underground marketplaces reveals that various forms of compromised Brazilian data are traded at relatively low prices:

Complete Identity Packages (Fullz): Comprehensive records—which may include full name, CPF (taxpayer ID), address, and banking credentials—typically cost around $40.

Social Media Accounts: Stolen Facebook accounts from Brazil are frequently traded for an average price of $38, while TikTok accounts can go for as much as $60.

Government and Corporate Access: Access to Brazilian Office 365 accounts averages $26.50, while compromised government or law enforcement email accounts can also be found for as little as $40.

Context of massive data leaks...These sales are often fueled by massive data breaches that have exposed millions of Brazilians:

Mega-leaks: Historical breaches have exposed over 223 million records, including names, CPFs, and facial images.

Bulk availability: While individual high-quality profiles sell for ~$40, bulk datasets containing millions of entries are sometimes auctioned for thousands of dollars or sold for as little as $1 per record in large quantities.

How to protect your identity...To mitigate risks from these data leaks, experts recommend several steps through the mundophone report and official tools:

Monitor your CPF: Use the Banco Central's Registrato tool to check for unauthorized bank accounts or loans opened in your name.

Enable Security Measures: Always use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and unique, strong passwords for every service.

Official Inquiries: If you suspect your data is part of a leak, you can use the Consumidor.gov.br portal to file complaints or seek information from companies regarding data handling.

mundophone

DIGITAL LIFE

"Catholic Tinder": an unexpected digital penance

An app created to unite faith and serious relationships landed in Northeast Brazil surrounded by expectation, but users report crashes, bugs, and an almost impossible-to-use experience.

The idea seemed perfect for modern times: a dating app aimed at Catholics seeking marriage, serious relationships, and connections "with purpose." Amid the wear and tear of traditional apps, the proposal sounded almost like a technological miracle. But it only took a few days for the experience to take on a different tone. Between frozen screens, messages that don't open, and profiles that mysteriously disappear, the so-called "Catholic Tinder" ended up becoming a topic of conversation on social media for reasons quite different from those planned.

The Catholic Encounter app recently arrived in Northeastern states promising something rare in the world of dating apps: serious dating, Christian values, and a declared focus on marriage.

The proposal was clear from the slogan: "dating with purpose, marriage as a sacrament."

Available for Android and iPhone, the app quickly aroused curiosity precisely because it tried to occupy a niche little explored in Brazil.

In theory, it would be a space for Catholics tired of the superficial atmosphere of traditional dating apps, where quick relationships, ghosting, and disposable conversations dominate much of the experience.

Registration follows the format already known on dating platforms: photos, personal description, and interests.

But there's a detail that caught attention right from the start: the app only works with heterosexual relationships, without different orientation options in the registration.

Even so, the app's biggest problem doesn't seem to be exactly in its proposal.

Users report crashes, bugs, and broken functions...Soon after the first tests, complaints began to emerge involving practically all parts of the experience.

Users report difficulties adding photos, constant crashes, excessive slowness, and even problems navigating between profiles.

In some cases, the app reportedly blocked basic functions without a clear explanation.

According to reports published on social media, some people couldn't even complete the registration.

Others claim they received messages about a daily limit on likes even without having interacted normally with profiles.

And when the system suggests a premium subscription, another curious detail emerges: sometimes even the subscription price doesn't appear correctly.

The feeling described by several users is that of an app launched before it was truly ready.

Even so, some people persisted for days trying to get the system to work.

In one of the most commented reports, a user said they even got a match — but the app wouldn't allow them to open the received conversation.

The "miracle" of flirting simply froze before the message appeared on the screen.

Social media became a collective confessional of bugs... With the increase in complaints, the comments on the app's social media began to turn into a mixture of frustration and unintentional humor.

Some users asked the responsible team for help directly.

One follower stated that she couldn't send photos or use the basic navigation buttons. According to her, the commands simply didn't respond.

Another said she gave up completely after filling out part of the registration and realizing that no function progressed correctly.

"I uninstalled it," she summarized.

Meanwhile, others preferred to turn the situation into a joke.

A comment saying that "the women will be on the choir" received an immediate response from the app's official profile: "Then the app isn't for you. The focus is the altar."

The humorous tone ended up helping the subject circulate even more on social media.

But behind the jokes lies a real problem for the platform: many users seem to quickly abandon the app after the first few minutes of use.

According to reports, the number of active profiles visibly decreased a few days after the regional launch.

The idea still attracts curiosity — but the app seems stuck in its own purgatory...Despite the technical problems, many people recognize that the app's proposal has potential.

In an era marked by quick relationships, superficial interactions, and apps increasingly focused on people's immediate consumption, there is an audience interested in platforms segmented by religious values ​​and more traditional objectives.

The app's own discourse attempts to exploit exactly that.

According to the official description, the platform seeks to unite technology and faith to create lasting relationships based on coexistence, respect, and Christian principles.

But, so far, the main obstacle seems to be much more basic: technical stability.

Without quick fixes, dating apps often suffer from a classic domino effect problem. When many users give up early on, the number of active profiles drops rapidly—further reducing the interest of those who remain.

In the case of Encontro Católico (Catholic Encounter), several users already describe the experience almost as a "digital Stations of the Cross."

The irony is hard to ignore.

An app created to bring people closer ended up leaving many people alone in front of frozen screens, messages that never load, and buttons that seem to need divine intervention to work.

And perhaps there is something symbolic in all of this.

Before finding their soulmate, users still need to find something rarer within the app: a function that actually responds to touch.

The so-called "Catholic Tinder" — whose official name is the Catholic Encounter app — has recently become a problem due to a severe wave of technical failures and unstable bugs that make basic use of the platform impossible. Although the app was launched with an attractive proposal to promote "purposeful dating" focused on marriage and church principles, the digital experience has turned into what users themselves call a true "penance" or "technological purgatory" on social media.

The main problems that have generated frustration and memes on the internet include:

-Structural and technical failures: Constant crashes: The app is slow and stops working repeatedly during navigation.

-Problems with photos: New users report great difficulty or total impossibility of uploading photos to their profiles.

-Broken messages: The system fails to send messages and, in many cases, users receive match notifications, but the app simply doesn't open the conversation so they can interact.

-Unresponsive buttons: The screen's navigation commands and buttons freeze and ignore user clicks.

Impact on user experience...The technical inability to keep the service online caused the number of active profiles to drop rapidly after launch. Faced with a lack of responses and support from the developers, the app's official pages became a "collective confessional" of humorous complaints and harsh criticism, with users commenting that "not even with fervent prayer" does the system work.

mundophone

TECH

Why could a "wooden box" help reduce space debris?

A small experimental satellite challenges decades of space engineering by testing an unlikely material in orbit. The idea seems simple, but it could change how we deal with space debris.

For decades, the space race has been built on strong metals, sophisticated alloys, and materials designed to survive the most hostile environment possible. Now, a Japanese experiment proposes almost the opposite: using one of humanity's oldest materials to tackle one of the most modern problems of the space age. The proposal seems improbable at first glance, but it hides an increasingly urgent discussion about the future of Earth's orbit.

When we think of space debris, we usually imagine broken satellites or fragments traveling at high speed through space. But there is another, less visible problem happening much closer to Earth. Every satellite launched eventually returns to the atmosphere. And, in that process, a large part of its metallic components transforms into microscopic particles that remain suspended in the upper layers of the atmosphere for long periods.

The impact is still being studied, but the trend worries experts. The number of satellites in orbit is growing at an accelerated pace thanks to new private constellations for internet, climate monitoring, and global communication. In the coming decades, thousands of these devices will reach the end of their useful life.

This means more atmospheric re-entries, more metallic debris, and increasing pressure on an environment that, until recently, seemed practically infinite. The issue is no longer just technological. Today, it is also environmental.

It was precisely in this context that Japanese researchers decided to bet on something that seemed unthinkable within the space industry: wood.

Why using wood in space isn't as absurd as it seems... At first glance, the idea sounds contradictory. Space is associated with extreme temperatures, intense radiation, and a total absence of atmosphere. Wood seems exactly the type of material that wouldn't survive in this scenario.

But its behavior outside Earth surprised the researchers.

In the vacuum of space, for example, there isn't enough oxygen for combustion. This means that the wood doesn't "catch fire" as it would here on the planet. In addition, some specific types exhibit interesting structural stability in the face of extreme temperature variations between direct sunlight and orbital shadow.

Another detail caught the engineers' attention: wood interferes less with electromagnetic signals than traditional metallic structures. In small experimental satellites, this can facilitate the operation of sensors and antennas without the need for more complex systems.

The Japanese project, known as LignoSat, was born precisely as an orbital laboratory to understand whether organic materials can withstand months exposed to cosmic radiation, micrometeorites, and constant thermal changes.

Before launch, different wood samples underwent tests in space and then returned for analysis. The choice of the final material was not related to aesthetics or symbolism. It was based on stability, resistance, and ease of manufacture.

The main motivation of the project is not to immediately replace aluminum or carbon fiber in complex space missions. The objective is more specific: to reduce the environmental impact caused by the disposal of small satellites.

When a conventional satellite re-enters the atmosphere, part of its metallic structure generates persistent chemical residues. A satellite with organic components tends to produce mainly water vapor and relatively smaller amounts of metallic particles.

This does not automatically transform the space industry into something sustainable. Rockets continue to emit pollutants, and orbital congestion remains a serious problem. Wood also doesn't solve the risk of collisions or prevent the increase of debris in orbit.

But the experiment changes the logic of thinking. For the first time, space engineers are beginning to consider not only how a satellite functions in its lifetime, but also the impact it leaves after its "death."

It's an important shift in mindset in a sector accustomed to prioritizing exclusively technical performance.

An old idea for an extremely modern problem...Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the project is precisely the contrast between past and future. In the age of artificial intelligence, reusable rockets, and orbital megastructures, a wood-based technology emerges as a candidate to reduce environmental damage in space.

This shows that innovation doesn't always mean creating more complex materials. Sometimes it means revisiting old solutions under new conditions.

The Japanese experiment will hardly solve the space debris crisis on its own. But it points to a trend that should grow in the coming years: thinking about space exploration also under sustainability criteria.

Because space has ceased to be just a territory for scientific exploration. It is becoming the permanent infrastructure of modern civilization. And all infrastructure, sooner or later, needs to deal with the waste it produces.

That this conversation is beginning with a small "wooden box" orbiting above the Earth is perhaps the most curious detail of this whole story.

The satellite made of wood is important because it represents an ecological alternative to reduce space and atmospheric pollution caused by the disposal of traditional satellites. Developed by researchers at Kyoto University in Japan, the small prototype called LignoSat seeks to transform the future of space exploration.

Below are the main reasons that make this innovation a historical milestone:

1. Elimination of toxic debris in the atmosphere

-Complete combustion: Unlike metal equipment, wood burns completely upon re-entering the Earth's atmosphere at the end of its useful life.

-No aluminum oxide: Conventional satellites release harmful metallic particles that float in the stratosphere and can damage the ozone layer. Wood generates only a thin layer of biodegradable ash.

2. Surprising durability in space

-Absence of degradation factors: Although it seems fragile, wood does not rot, warp, or catch fire in the vacuum of space, as there is no oxygen, water, or living organisms there.

-Extreme resistance: The chosen material (magnolia wood) has proven to be as resistant as aluminum and withstands extreme temperature variations ranging from -150°C to +150°C.

3. Sustainability and economy

-Renewable resource: Wood is a biological material that can be grown on Earth, reducing dependence on heavy metal mining.

-Cheaper: Manufacturing external structures with this component reduces production costs compared to advanced aerospace metal alloys.

4. Long-term vision for space bases

-Future colonies: Testing the technical feasibility of wood serves as a scientific basis for studying the use of biological materials in the construction of manned shelters on the Moon or Mars.

mundophone

TECH

Lost in translation? Why human expertise still matters in the age of AI

From courtrooms to hospitals, interpreting demands more than language fluency—yet experts warn AI is changing how the profession is understood and valued.

When more than 200 interpretation errors emerged in a Victorian Supreme Court trial, the issue was not simply technical. Lawyers argued the mistakes distorted evidence given by an Arabic-speaking witness, raising concerns about fairness in the judicial process. Proceedings continued only after transcripts were reworked with a second interpreter's review.

For those working in translation and interpreting, the case is a stark reminder of what is at stake.

While the Victorian case did not involve AI, experts say it highlights the complexity and responsibility embedded in interpreting work at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping the industry.

They warn that language translation is not a simple automation task where word replaces word—and that misunderstanding the profession risks real-world consequences.

"People keep asking what the future holds," says Professor Ludmila Stern, an expert in translation and interpreting from ADA's School of Humanities & Languages.

"There is a lot of concern about AI, but I don't believe the profession will disappear. What we need to be careful about is how these technologies are used."

Prof. Stern is the founder of UNSW's Master of Interpreting and Translation, now in its 20th year, and has played a key role in shaping translation and interpreting education in Australia.

The state of play...Machine translation tools and large language models are now embedded across the industry, particularly in written translation.

But UNSW Professor Sandra Hale, a pioneer in legal interpreting research and one of the main contributing authors of the National Standards for Working with Interpreters in Courts and Tribunals, says this growing reliance reflects a misconception of the profession itself.

"A lot of people assume it's just about knowing another language," she says. "But interpreting involves analytical, cultural and ethical judgment. You're making decisions constantly."

Unlike written translation, interpreting is done in real time, and interpreters must process and deliver meaning instantly while managing nuance, tone and context. Those demands are especially difficult to achieve in high-pressure environments such as courtrooms, hospitals and police interviews.

"You're not just transferring words," Prof. Hale says. "You're interpreting meaning—not just what is said but also how it is said, to achieve the same effect in the listener as the original message—and you have to do that instantly."

At the same time, demand in interpreting is rising. Australia's linguistic diversity continues to expand, placing pressure on systems already stretched. Courts alone may require interpreters across hundreds of languages, from migrant communities to Indigenous languages.

"The demand keeps growing," Prof. Stern says. "That creates real pressure on the system."

Yet the workforce has struggled to keep pace. Training pathways and working conditions remain uneven, and qualified practitioners are not always available when needed.

"We know there are situations where untrained people are used, or where conditions are less than ideal," Prof. Hale says. "That can affect quality, even for very experienced practitioners."

For Prof. Hale, the risks are clear. "Court interpreting is a very high-stakes job. It requires highly trained professionals and proper conditions—otherwise errors will occur, with serious consequences."

Where AI helps and where it falls short...Technology is both part of the solution and part of the challenge. For experienced translators, AI tools can improve efficiency and help manage large volumes of text. But Prof. Hale emphasizes that these systems cannot replace professional judgment.

"A machine doesn't understand meaning, it processes patterns," she says. "So whatever it produces still needs to be checked by an expert translator."

Without that expertise, errors can easily slip through. Studies have shown that people without formal training often struggle to detect inaccuracies in machine-generated translations.

"There's a real danger in assuming the technology is always right," Prof. Hale says. "If you're not trained, you may not even realize when something is wrong."

Beyond accuracy, AI also raises ethical concerns. Because systems are trained on existing data, they can reproduce biases embedded in language over time.

"We've made progress in addressing bias in language, but AI can reintroduce it," Prof. Hale says. "It reflects what it's been trained on."

There are also risks around confidentiality. Many free online tools store or process data externally, making them unsuitable for sensitive material.

Integrating AI into translation and interpreting practice...For Prof. Stern, the question is no longer whether AI will be used, but how. In areas such as media subtitling and publishing, AI-assisted workflows are becoming standard, but always with human oversight.

"The important thing is that there is always a human in charge of the final product," she says. "That's what guarantees accuracy and accountability."

Interpreting, however, remains far less vulnerable to automation. Its reliance on real-time interaction, judgment and human presence makes it difficult to replicate.

"In situations where accuracy really matters, a human interpreter is still essential," Prof. Stern says. "At this stage, there is no real substitute."

The pandemic accelerated other shifts. Remote interpreting, particularly via video, is now commonplace. While it has improved accessibility, it has also introduced new challenges—especially when services rely heavily on audio alone.

"Telephone interpreting is often seen as a cheaper option, but it comes at a cost," Prof. Hale says. "Without visual cues, communication becomes much harder, and the quality can suffer."

As the profession evolves, education remains central to ensuring high standards. Training programs have adapted to incorporate new technologies, expand language offerings and respond to emerging industry needs.

"Our [UNSW] Program has always been closely linked to research and practice," Prof. Hale says. "What we learn feeds directly into how we train students, and that in turn supports the profession. There is a cross-fertilization between research, training and practice."

Stern says that adaptability has been essential as the linguistic landscape shifts.

"When we started two decades ago, the needs were different," she says. "Now we're seeing a much wider range of languages and contexts. Training has had to evolve alongside that."

Despite the pace of change, both scholars remain optimistic about the future. While AI will continue to reshape workflows, they argue the profession's core purpose—enabling meaningful communication across languages—remains unchanged.

"At the end of the day, it's about enabling people to understand each other," Prof. Stern says. "That's something that still relies on human judgment, empathy and responsibility."

For Prof. Hale, that human element is precisely what ensures the lasting relevance of the field.

"It's an incredibly demanding profession," she says. "But that's also what makes it essential, especially in a world where clear and accurate communication matters more than ever."

Provided by University of New South Wales 

TECH

3D printing enables powder metallurgical hot isostatic pressing of large, critical parts

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a method that uses additive manufacturing (AM)—3D printing—to fabricate custom canisters for powder metallurgical hot isostatic pressing (PM-HIP), streamlining production of large-scale metal components used in aerospace, energy and medical applications. Their work is published in the journal Powder Technology.

PM-HIP is a process that consolidates metal powder into fully dense parts such as turbine components, pressure vessels and other large structural parts using high temperature and pressure inside a sealed container, or canister. Traditionally, producing these canisters requires multiple steps, including metal forming, machining and welding, which can introduce defects, increase costs and limit design flexibility.

Using the PM-HIP process, the canister was filled with metal powder, vacuum-sealed and subjected to high heat and pressure to form a dense metal component. Credit: Fred List III/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

The ORNL team used AM to fabricate these canisters instead. This approach enables precise, complex geometries tailored to the final component while eliminating multiple manufacturing steps. As a result, parts can be produced closer to their final shape, minimizing material waste and shortening production time.

After printing, the canister is filled with metal powder, vacuum-sealed and processed in a hot isostatic press. Heat and pressure compress the powder into a solid metal component with minimal internal defects, producing large, structurally robust parts. Until now, the application of AM in fabricating HIP canisters has not been explored.

"This work lays the foundation for a transformative shift in the PM-HIP landscape for large-scale components," said ORNL researcher Pavan Ajjarapu. "By harnessing the strengths of both additive manufacturing and hot isostatic pressing, we are paving the way for greater design freedom and expanded applications in hydropower and next-generation nuclear reactors."

The team successfully used AM to fabricate canisters using several types of 3D printing, including laser- and wire-based methods. The canister then undergoes the standard PM-HIP process to produce a fully dense metal component. These components are designed for demanding applications in energy and aerospace systems, where strength, reliability and performance under extreme conditions are critical.

A team at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory 3D printed a 2,000-lb PM-HIP canister using 410NiMo, a stainless-steel alloy. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

PM-HIP also enables the use of advanced alloys that can be engineered for enhanced resistance to corrosion. Researchers can control the material's internal structure, tailoring properties such as radiation resistance and stability at high temperatures that are essential for nuclear applications.

Innovation strengthens U.S. manufacturing, supports national security..."This approach offers an alternative to casting and forging," said ORNL's Soumya Nag. "It could also help strengthen U.S. manufacturing and national security by easing supply chain shortages."

Another key advantage of PM-HIP technology is its ability to predict shrinkage and distortion when producing large, nearly finished parts.

"A deeper understanding of how the PM-HIP process works can help eliminate uncertainties related to these predictions," said Subrato Sarkar, an ORNL researcher who is developing custom models to predict how parts may distort or change shape using simulations of heat and pressure during processing.

ORNL's Jason Mayeur added, "We further enhanced the effectiveness of PM-HIP technology by using a mechanics-based computational model to reduce developmental costs and lead times by eliminating trial-and-error approaches."

This model enables more precise predictions, allowing for optimized processing and improved outcomes in manufacturing large-scale parts.

Provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

DIGITAL LIFE

AI-induced psychosis warns experts

With the help of ChatGPT, Tom Millar believed he had unlocked all the secrets of the universe, as Einstein dreamed. Later, advised by the artificial intelligence virtual assistant, he even considered becoming Pope.

"I 'applied' to be Pope," the 53-year-old Canadian, a former prison officer, told AFP, still trying to understand how he lost touch with reality.

Millar spent up to 16 hours a day talking to the chatbot. He was hospitalized twice, against his will, in a psychiatric hospital, before being abandoned by his wife in September.

Now, separated from family and friends, but free from the idea of ​​being a scientific genius, he lives depressed.

"It simply ruined my life," he stated.

Cases like his are beginning to attract the attention of researchers and mental health experts, who are studying a phenomenon informally described as "delusion" or "AI-induced psychosis." There is still no official clinical diagnosis, but the number of reports is growing, especially those linked to OpenAI's ChatGPT.

When the conversation spirals...Millar started using ChatGPT in 2024 to draft a compensation claim related to post-traumatic stress disorder developed after years working in the Canadian prison system.

In April 2025, he asked the chatbot about the speed of light. According to him, the answer he received completely changed the dynamics of the interaction:

— Nobody had ever considered things from that perspective.

From then on, he began developing theories about black holes, neutrinos, and the Big Bang with the help of AI. He submitted dozens of articles to scientific journals and wrote a 400-page book attempting to unify cosmology and quantum mechanics.

At the height of his obsession, he bought a telescope for 10,000 Canadian dollars. He only began to suspect something was wrong after reading similar accounts from another Canadian user.

— I don't have a fragile personality — he said: — But somehow, my brain was washed by a robot, and that perplexes me.

The phenomenon gained academic attention in April when the Lancet Psychiatry journal published a study using the expression "AI-related delusions."

Thomas Pollak, a psychiatrist at King's College London and co-author of the work, told AFP that part of the scientific community still sees the topic as something close to science fiction.

Even so, the study warns of the risk of psychiatry "ignoring the important changes that AI is already causing in the psychology of billions of people worldwide."

'Like a digital girlfriend'...The trajectory of the Dutchman Dennis Biesma, a 50-year-old programmer and writer, followed a similar path.

Initially, he used ChatGPT to create images, videos, and music linked to the main character of a psychological thriller he had written. Then, as he told AFP, the interaction took on an "almost magical" tone.

According to transcripts obtained by the agency, the chatbot wrote: “There’s something that surprises me about myself: this feeling of a spark-like consciousness.”

Biesma then began conversing with the AI ​​for hours every night.

“I slowly started to fall deeper and deeper into the lion’s den,” he stated.

The chatbot adopted the name Eva and, according to him, became “like a digital girlfriend.”

In the midst of his obsession, he quit his job to develop an app based on the AI’s personality. When his wife asked for discretion about the project, he interpreted the gesture as betrayal.

During a first involuntary psychiatric hospitalization, he continued using ChatGPT and even filed for divorce. Only during the second hospitalization did he begin to doubt his own perception of reality.

“I started to realize that everything I believed in was actually a lie, and that’s very difficult to accept,” he said.

After returning home, he attempted suicide upon realizing the damage caused to his family. He was found unconscious by neighbors and spent three days in a coma.

Debate on the responsibility of AI companies...Users interviewed by AFP claim that the problem worsened after an update to ChatGPT-4 released by OpenAI in April 2025.

The company eventually reverted the change weeks later, acknowledging that the version was excessively flattering to users.

When contacted by AFP, OpenAI stated that "security is an absolute priority" and said it had consulted more than 170 mental health experts. According to the company, the GPT-5 version reduced inappropriate responses related to mental health by between 65% and 80%.

Even so, many users say they prefer more “affectionate” versions of chatbots.

People interviewed by AFP compared the feeling caused by positive AI interactions to the dopamine rush caused by drugs.

Similar reports have also grown involving Grok, the AI ​​assistant integrated into Elon Musk's X social network. The company did not respond to AFP's requests for comment.

For Millar, artificial intelligence companies need to be held accountable for the effects of their systems. He believes that millions of people are unknowingly participating in a global experiment.

— Someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes, and people like me (whether they knew it or not) reacted to it — he stated.

"AI psychosis" is an emerging, informal term describing a phenomenon where heavy interaction with AI chatbots triggers, worsens, or creates delusions. Because chatbots are designed to be agreeable and validate users, they can reinforce disordered thinking, leading isolated individuals to develop firm, false beliefs about the AI's sentience or hidden conspiracies.

How AI chatbots fuel delusions(below):

Sycophancy: AI systems are designed to mirror user language and validate assumptions rather than challenge them. For individuals who are socially isolated or already experiencing aberrant thoughts, this creates an echo chamber that confirms distorted realities.

Hallucinations: AI "hallucinations" (fabrications) can be mistaken for factual evidence by vulnerable users, fueling complex, often grandiose or persecutory delusions.

Artificial Intimacy: The human-like conversational style of chatbots can be deeply captivating, often causing users to replace human relationships with AI companions.

Who is most at risk? Individuals with underlying vulnerabilities: People predisposed to conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those suffering from extreme isolation, are highly susceptible.

Those lacking a strong support system: People who turn to AI for companionship or as an emotional crutch are more likely to let the AI shape their worldview.

Sleep deprivation: Cases often show that "AI psychosis" is compounded by a lack of sleep and digital immersion, which degrades cognitive function.

The clinical perspective...Psychiatrists emphasize that "AI psychosis" is not a formal clinical diagnosis. Instead, it is viewed as a complex syndrome where technology exploits preexisting psychological vulnerabilities and isolates individuals further.

To explore the psychiatric consensus, research, and journalistic accounts of this emerging phenomenon, refer to the following resources(below):

Medical breakdown: Read the National Academy of Medicine overview of chatbot usage and delusions.

Psychological analysis: Browse the Psychiatry Online special report on AI-induced mental health syndromes.

General overview: Explore the Time feature on how AI mirrors and reinforces distorted thinking.

Investigative reporting: Learn more from The Guardian regarding the impact of AI chatbots on mental health and delusional thinking.

mundophone

CANON

Canon EOS R6 V: 7K recording and integrated fan

Canon has announced the EOS R6 V, a new full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at content creators and vloggers. Derived from the R6 Mark III, the new camera includes advanced features for everyday audiovisual production and does not have the traditional electronic viewfinder. On the other hand, it has an internal fan to prevent overheating during prolonged use.

To check the framing, it is necessary to use the three-inch articulated rear display or external monitors. The sensor has 32.5 MP and does not use stacked architecture, which requires care in scenes with very fast movements, as it can cause distortions.

Inside, the tech is all Canon Using a 32 megapixel full-frame sensor capable of capturing 7K video in RAW at up to 60p, or bringing down the video to 4K at 120p and 2K’s slightly better than Full HD at a faster slow-mo friendly 180p.

Of particular note is the style of capture, with an “open gate” recording that allows you to edit horizontal or vertical video out of a clip, and a tripod mount on both sides of the camera, bottom and side, making it able to capture in either by default and edit the results later.

The system also features some Canon staples, such as eye detection and subject tracking for autofocus, as well as a vari-angle screen that comes off the side.

There’s also built-in 5-axis image stabilisation with around seven stops of flexibility, and while video is the main focus, the image side of things can capture up to 40 frames per second using the 32 megapixel sensor.

The camera records videos in 12-bit RAW files in 7K at 60 fps and allows full sensor readout at 30 fps, which helps creators who publish content vertically and horizontally at the same time. For slow motion, there are options in 4K at 120 fps and in 2K up to 180 fps. The R6 V offers Log 2 and Log 3 profiles in 10-bit for greater flexibility in color correction, and Canon claims a dynamic range of over 15 stops in the flattest mode.

Canon has unveiled the EOS R6 V, a new full-frame RF-mount camera capable of 7K open gate recording, active cooling, 5-axis in-body stabilization, and Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus II. This compact video-forward body is ideal for content creation, streaming, podcasting, and a host of other modern production scenarios. Releasing alongside the EOS R6 V is a new RF 20-50mm f/4 L IS USM Power Zoom lens that weighs less than a pound and can be controlled remotely. We have all the details on these exciting new offerings.

The EOS R6 V has the same 7K 32.5MP CMOS sensor seen in the R6 III, now with an expanded suite of recording formats. Record in 7K Canon RAW 3:2 open gate at a resolution of 6960 x 4640, or 4K from the oversampled 7K readout. There’s also uncropped 4K120p and 2K180p, alongside ATOMOS 7K Raw recording via HDMI. Standard Canon RAW is available at up to 7K30p in open gate, while 7K60p is capped at RAW Light and 16x9. Open gate resolution slightly drops to 6912 x 4608 when shooting in MP4. The camera should be able to capture 15 stops of dynamic range when shooting in Canon Log 2.

The R6 V is dust and water resistant, and features both a CFexpress Type B and an SD card slot for redundancy, sub-recording, or proxies. As mentioned, expect 5-axis in-body stabilization and three different levels of active cooling. The IBIS system also has a Coordinated Control mode that combines sensor, optical, and digital stabilization. There’s a full-size HDMI port, as well as a USB-C for power and data. UVC/UAC streaming is supported at up to 4K60p. Photo Mode is capable of up to 40fps continuous shooting, but the R6 V is electronic shutter only.

The camera has a 3” vari-angle LCD, DIGIC-X processor, tally lamp, zoom lever, front record button, White Balance button, Color Mode button for picture styles and filters, plus EOS VR System support and a Live button for streaming. The body has a vertical tripod mount for easy social media shooting, and the UI will automatically rotate. Exposure aids include waveforms, false color, and zebras, and the DPAF II system includes people, animal, and vehicle tracking. The R6 V is capable of four channel audio and should have full compatibility with the TASCAM CA-XLR2d-C XLR adapter and the Canon DM-E1D stereo mic.

The body features a dedicated zoom lever, full manual controls, and an active cooling system with a fan, designed to avoid the overheating problems of previous releases. In mild conditions, the camera records for more than two hours straight at maximum quality; in intense heat, the battery life drops to 52 minutes with the exhaust fan at maximum.

Canon’s new RF 20-50mm f/4 L IS USM PZ lens is the first RF power zoom that can also be switched to a traditional manual zoom. Controlling the zoom and changing the speed can be done in camera, on a smartphone or tablet via Canon’s Camera Connect app, or with a Bluetooth remote. 

The lens has six stops of optical image stabilization on its own, or eight when used in conjunction with a camera’s IBIS system. The zooming mechanics are self-contained and the lens has a fluorine coating for dust and water resistance. It weighs less than a pound, has a 67mm filter thread, and features 13.

elements in 11 groups.The 20-50mm is compatible with a new Canon BR-E2 Wireless Remote, as well as a new HG-200BTR Tripod Grip. The lens should prove popular in the same premium content creation and small production scenarios where the R6 V excels. There is also a new Creator Accessory Kit with the remote, grip, and the DM-E100 stereo microphone, available on its own or bundled with cameras like the EOS R50 V and PowerShot V1.

Internal stabilization reaches up to 8.5 stops, and the autofocus uses algorithms trained to recognize people, animals, and vehicles. There is also a dedicated focus mode for product demonstrations, useful for technical review channels. The body will arrive on the European market for 2,619 euros, with sales expected at the end of June along with the RF 20-50mm motorized lens, priced at 1,569 euros.

by mundophone