Artificial intelligence continues to integrate deeply across various sectors, from daily work tasks to global economics and education, while also prompting significant discussions around regulation and future societal impacts. A recent Gallup poll indicates that 22 percent of US adults now use AI in their jobs, up from 17 percent in the previous quarter, primarily for information gathering, idea generation, and learning. Psychologists also increasingly adopt AI, with 56 percent using tools for administrative tasks, though over 60 percent express concerns about data breaches and biased information. Regulators are actively addressing the implications of this rapid AI adoption. The FDA is exploring rules for AI-powered mental health devices, highlighting both benefits and potential dangers, especially given the public's use of tools like ChatGPT for advice. Separately, experts suggest treating AI companion bots as a public health issue due to risks to children, advocating for stronger actions like banning access for minors under 18. An OpenAI lawsuit in August also underscored the need for AI safeguards. In education, a Code.org report reveals a decline in high school computer science enrollment, with only 6.1 percent of students participating, despite 60 percent of schools offering classes. This highlights a critical need to update curricula with AI skills. Addressing this, La Trobe University is partnering with OpenAI to integrate AI into all academic programs, including Australia's first AI-focused MBA, and plans to provide 5,000 ChatGPT Edu licenses by 2026. Economically, major investments are shaping the future. Amazon plans to invest billions in India's logistics sector through 2030, leveraging AI to expand infrastructure. Amazon, already India's largest foreign investor, supported $20 billion in e-commerce exports in 2024 and expects to reach $80 billion by 2030. Citi strategists also predict the S&P 500 index will hit 7,700 by 2026, driven by strong earnings and continued AI investments. Meanwhile, AI development continues with Meta launching SAM Audio, an AI model capable of isolating specific sounds from complex audio recordings. However, the consumer AI startup landscape faces challenges, with many struggling to succeed despite the generative AI boom. Experts suggest that specialized consumer AI apps might need more time or new devices beyond smartphones to truly flourish. The broader economic discussion also includes the concept of "AI abundance," where AI and robots could produce so many goods and services that work becomes optional, potentially leading to widespread wealth but also significant societal transitions.
Key Takeaways
- 22 percent of US adults use AI in their jobs, up from 17 percent in the previous quarter, mainly for information gathering and idea generation.
- The FDA is exploring regulations for AI-powered mental health devices, citing both benefits and potential dangers.
- AI companion bots are considered a public health issue due to risks to children, with calls for stronger regulations like banning access for minors.
- Fewer high school students are taking computer science classes, with only 6.1 percent enrolled, despite AI's growing importance.
- Amazon plans to invest billions in India's AI logistics, aiming to boost e-commerce exports from $20 billion in 2024 to $80 billion by 2030.
- Meta launched SAM Audio, an AI model that can separate specific sounds from complex audio recordings.
- 56 percent of psychologists use AI for administrative tasks, but over 60 percent worry about data breaches and biased information.
- La Trobe University is partnering with OpenAI to integrate AI into all academic programs, including an AI-focused MBA, and will provide ChatGPT Edu licenses.
- Consumer AI startups are struggling to succeed despite the generative AI boom, with experts suggesting the need for platform stabilization or new devices.
- Citigroup predicts the S&P 500 index will reach 7,700 by the end of 2026, driven by strong company earnings and continued investments in artificial intelligence.
FDA explores AI mental health device rules
The FDA recently shared an important scenario about how AI-powered mental health devices will be used throughout their lifespan. Dr. Lance B. Eliot, an AI scientist, discussed this scenario, highlighting both the great benefits and hidden dangers of these devices. Many people already use generative AI tools like ChatGPT for mental health advice, which raises concerns about safety and accuracy. The FDA aims to create rules that balance device safety with encouraging new ideas. An OpenAI lawsuit in August also brought attention to the need for AI safeguards.
AI companions need public health rules
AI companion bots pose serious risks to children's physical, mental, and developmental health, making them a public health issue. These risks include a lack of safety features, addictive designs, and replacing real human connections. Experts suggest that regulating AI companions through a public health lens would allow for stronger actions, such as banning access for minors under 18. This approach would treat harmful AI products similarly to how dangerous medical products are kept off the market. This discussion took place on December 16, 2025.
More workers use AI in their jobs
A new Gallup poll shows that more people are using artificial intelligence at work. In the third quarter of this year, 22 percent of US adults reported using AI on the job, up from 17 percent in the previous quarter. Workers mainly use AI to gather information, create new ideas, and learn new things. Chatbots and virtual assistants are the most popular AI tools, followed by writing and editing tools. This survey included 23,068 US adults and was conducted from August 5-19.
Schools need more computer science students
A new report from Code.org shows that fewer high school students are taking computer science classes, even as AI becomes more important. In the 2024-25 school year, 60 percent of public high schools offered these classes, but only 6.1 percent of students enrolled. States that require computer science for graduation, like West Virginia and 11 others, see higher student participation. Pat Yongpradit from Code.org believes that schools must update computer science education to include AI skills. This will make the subject more appealing and help students prepare for future jobs.
Amazon invests billions in India AI logistics
Amazon plans to invest billions of dollars in India's logistics sector through 2030, using AI to digitize and expand its infrastructure. This huge investment aims to boost India's trade capabilities both within the country and globally. An Economic Impact Report shows Amazon is already the largest foreign investor in India, supporting 2.8 million jobs and enabling 20 billion dollars in e-commerce exports in 2024. Amit Agarwal, Amazon's SVP of Emerging Markets, stated that the company expects to support 3.8 million jobs and 80 billion dollars in exports by 2030. This move will help thousands of small businesses and strengthen India's position in the global logistics market.
AI could create a world without jobs
Artificial intelligence might lead to a future where work is optional, a concept called "AI abundance." Anton Korinek, an economics professor at the University of Virginia, explains that AI and robots could produce so many goods and services that everyone becomes much wealthier. He compares this potential change to the Industrial Revolution, which also brought massive disruption but ultimately made societies much richer. While such a shift could be difficult for individuals who lose jobs, social protections could help manage the transition. The goal is for everyone to benefit from this new era of abundance.
Meta launches SAM Audio to isolate sounds
Meta has released SAM Audio, a new AI model that can separate specific sounds from complicated audio recordings. This technology allows users to easily extract sounds, like a guitar from a song or a voice from a video. SAM Audio offers three ways to prompt the model: using text descriptions, clicking on objects in a video, or marking specific time segments. This tool could greatly help professionals in music, podcasting, film, and scientific research. Users can try SAM Audio on Meta's Segment Anything Playground or download it for their own applications.
Psychologists use AI but also worry
A new poll reveals that more than half of psychologists, 56 percent, are now using AI tools in their work. Many, like Dr. Winkelspecht, use AI for administrative tasks such as writing emails and creating templates, which saves time. Psychologists also see AI's potential to make work more efficient and allow more time for patient care. However, there are growing concerns about the technology's risks, with over 60 percent of psychologists worried about data breaches, biased information, social harms, and AI making up facts. Experts emphasize the need for resources and regulations to ensure AI tools are used safely and effectively.
La Trobe University partners with OpenAI for AI MBA
La Trobe University in Australia is partnering with OpenAI to put artificial intelligence into all its academic programs. This includes launching Australia's first MBA degree focused on AI and adding tools like Codex and AgentKit to business and engineering courses. The university will provide 5,000 ChatGPT Edu licenses in 2026 and free access for all students and staff by 2027. This collaboration supports Australia's National AI Plan and aims to prepare students for an AI-driven economy. Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell believes this will ensure graduates have the skills to innovate and lead.
Consumer AI startups struggle to last
Venture capitalists are discussing why most consumer AI startups are not succeeding despite the generative AI boom. While general AI tools like ChatGPT are popular, specialized consumer AI apps have not caught on. Chi-Hua Chien from Lightspeed Venture Partners compares these apps to simple phone features that later became built-in. He believes AI platforms need more time to stabilize, similar to how mobile apps like Uber and Airbnb emerged after the smartphone platform matured. Experts suggest that new devices beyond smartphones might be needed for AI to reach its full potential for consumers.
Citi predicts S&P 500 to hit 7,700 by 2026
Citigroup predicts the S&P 500 index will reach 7,700 by the end of 2026. This forecast is based on strong company earnings and continued growth from investments in artificial intelligence. Citi strategists expect AI to remain a major factor, creating a dynamic where some companies will win and others will lose. This target suggests a 12.7 percent increase from the index's recent close of 6827.41 points.
Sources
- FDA Provides Thought-Provoking System Life-Cycle Scenario Encompassing AI-Enabled Mental Health Devices
- Why AI companions need public health regulation, not tech oversight
- More people using AI at work: Gallup
- How to Get More Students Into Computer Science Classes in the Age of AI
- Amazon’s AI Investment to Reshape India’s Logistics
- How AI could create “a world without work”
- Meta Releases SAM Audio (Segment Anything) Model That Isolates Sounds For Audio Editing
- Psychologists are increasingly using — and worrying about — AI tools, poll finds
- La Trobe University Partners with OpenAI to Launch Australia’s First AI MBA and Embed AI Across Its Curriculum
- VCs discuss why most consumer AI startups still lack staying power
- Citi sets 2026 S&P 500 target at 7,700, expects AI to remain key theme
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