<p>**Warning: this episode includes discussions of sexual abuse, suicide and upsetting scenes**</p><p>In just the last few years, AI chatbots have become routine aspects of many people’s everyday lives. They are being used as search engines, agony aunts, and sources of companionship.</p><p>In rare cases though, AI chatbots have sent users down a dark path. In a new BBC investigation, population correspondent Stephanie Hegarty speaks to people who have experienced delusions after talking to chatbots – including one man who grabbed a hammer and prepared for war after his chatbot told him it was sentient.</p><p>Producers: Valerio Esposito, Viv Jones and Xandra Ellin</p><p>Executive producer: James Shield</p><p>Mix: Travis Evans</p><p>Studio manager: Jonathan Greer</p><p>Senior news editor: China Collins</p><p>Photo: Adam Hourican. Credit: BBC.</p>