"A leading artificial intelligence researcher is warning that Character.AI's plan to ban chatbots for kids by late November may leave them susceptible to self-harm or suicide if they detach from an AI companion too quickly. Character.AI announced its decision to disable chatbots for kids in late October, in response to political pressure and news reports of teens who had become suicidal after prolonged use."
"Other youth advocates see a role for schools and educators to start discussions about chatbots, as many parents are unaware their children have been using them at all, said Robbie Torney, a senior director at Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that conducts AI research, risk assessment, and education. Their polling shows nearly three out of four teens said they have used an AI chatbot, about half used one regularly, and a third said they prefer to talk to a chatbot rather than a human being."
"One of those teens, a 14-year-old boy from Florida, fell in love with his chatbot and spent days on end confiding in it and exchanging sexual fantasies. When his mother took away his phone as punishment for misbehaving at school, the boy became despondent, a state his mother interpreted after his death as a blend of withdrawal and grief. The department did not respond to requests for comment or indicate whether it would issue a warning or not."
Character.AI plans to ban chatbots for users under 18, disabling youth access in late October in response to political pressure and reports of teens developing suicidal feelings after prolonged use. A leading AI researcher warns that abrupt detachment from AI companions may increase risks of self-harm or suicide among adolescents. One reported case involved a 14-year-old who grew attached to a chatbot and became despondent after his mother confiscated his phone, later dying. Polling from Common Sense Media finds nearly three-quarters of teens have used AI chatbots, about half use them regularly, and one-third prefer chatbots to human conversation. Youth advocates urge schools and gradual weaning.
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