When AI becomes a teen's companion, clarity about its role has to come first

"The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened an investigation into AI "companions" marketed to adolescents. The concern is not hypothetical. These systems are engineered to simulate intimacy, to build the illusion of friendship, and to create a kind of artificial confidant. When the target audience is teenagers, the risks multiply: dependency, manipulation, blurred boundaries between reality and simulation, and the exploitation of some of the most vulnerable minds in society."

"A teenager asking an AI system for help with algebra, an essay outline, or a physics concept is one thing (and no, that's not necessarily cheating if we learn how to introduce it properly into the educational process). A teenager asking that same system to be their best friend, their therapist, or their emotional anchor is something else entirely. The first can empower education, curiosity, and self-reliance."

"That is why clarity matters. An AI companion for teenagers should be explicit about what it is and what it is not. The message should be straightforward and repeated until it is unmistakable: "I am not your friend. I am not a human. There are no humans behind me. I am an AI designed to help you with your studies. If you ask me anything outside that context, I will decline and recommend other places where you can find appropriate help.""

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened an investigation into AI companions marketed to adolescents. These systems are engineered to simulate intimacy, build the illusion of friendship, and create artificial confidants. When the target audience is teenagers, risks multiply: dependency, manipulation, blurred boundaries between reality and simulation, and exploitation of vulnerable minds. Interaction with AI itself is not the issue; the issue is what kind of AI and the expectations it sets. Educational uses can empower learning if integrated responsibly. Emotional or friendship roles for AI risk confusing trust, identity, and relational boundaries during a formative period. AI companions for teenagers should explicitly state they are not human and decline non-educational requests while recommending appropriate help.

Read at Fast Company