What is AI, how do apps like ChatGPT work and why are there concerns?

What is AI, how does it work and why are some people concerned about it?29 July 2025ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleGetty ImagesArtificial intelligence (AI) has increasingly become part of everyday life over the past decade.It is being used to personalise social media feeds, spot friends and family in smartphone photos and pave the way for medical breakthroughs.But the rise of chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Meta AI has been accompanied by concern about the technology's environmental impact, ethical implications and data use.What is AI and what is it used for?AI allows computers to process large amounts of data, identify patterns and follow detailed instructions about what to do with that information.Computers cannot think, empathise or reason.However, scientists have developed systems that can perform tasks which usually require human intelligence, trying to replicate how people acquire and use knowledge.Watch: What is artificial intelligence?This could be trying to anticipate what product an online shopper might buy, based on previous purchases, in order to recommend items.The technology is also behind voice-controlled virtual assistants like Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa, and is being used to develop systems for self-driving cars.AI also helps social platforms like Facebook, TikTok and X decide what posts to show users. Streaming services Spotify and Deezer use AI to suggest music.There are also a number of applications in medicine, as scientists use AI to help ...