An AI-powered chatbot convinced a woman to euthanise her elderly dog suffering from diarrhoea without consulting a vet.

VERA advised a woman concerned about her dog's diarrhoea, “Your dog is at the end of his life. I recommend euthanasia.” Though the distressed owner was provided with a list of nearby clinics that carried out euthanasia, she ultimately followed through with the bot's advice herself.

The revelation has drawn comparisons to dystopian narratives like those in Black Mirror, with many social media users expressing disbelief and horror over the chatbot's role in such a sensitive decision. 

Critics have raised ethical concerns about relying on AI for critical health decisions and questioned whether the dog's condition truly warranted euthanasia.

This incident highlighted ethical questions about the use of AI in healthcare settings, notably in making life-and-death decisions. 

It also highlighted the dangers of anthropomorphising chatbots and other technologies.

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• https://www.nplusonemag.com/issue-47/essays/an-age-of-hyperabundance/

• https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/ai-chatbot-vera-askvet-convinces-woman-to-euthanize-her-dog-101724309184152.html

• https://www.news18.com/viral/woman-takes-ais-euthanasia-advice-for-dog-internet-calls-it-a-real-life-black-mirror-9024216.html

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• https://futurism.com/ai-ceo-chatbot-convince-woman-euthanize-dog