Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
by AHTRA ELNASHAR | The National News Desk
TOPICS:
WASHINGTON (TNND) — A Senate hearing on Thursday intended to examine how screentime is impacting America's youth quickly turned into a warning from experts about the pervasiveness of artificial intelligence, or AI.
As AI chatbots, toys and learning tools become more accessible to minors, experts have started to publish findings on the how young people utilize AI and how it impacts the "analog" aspects of their lives.
In a survey conducted by the Center for Democracy and Technology last year, 42% of high school students said they or someone they know have used AI for companionship and nearly 20% said they or someone they know had a romantic relationship with AI.
For years, lawmakers in Congress have struggled to keep up with the evolving social media landscape enough to regulate it.
A rising number of lawsuits allege these relationships with AI can turn deadly. During a separate congressional hearing in 2025, Matthew Raine was among the grieving parents whose children died by suicide. Raine said the chatbot his 16-year-old son, Adam, used before his death offered to write a suicide note. He read aloud some of the things the chatbot told his son.
Platforms like ChatGPT have rolled out safety features like harm detection, but, in a rare bipartisan consensus, most lawmakers conclude not nearly enough has been done.
While members of Congress share a desire to make AI safer for children, there's no consensus on how, especially as a broader goal in Washington is to out-compete Chinese innovation.
On Friday, First Lady Melania Trump spoke publicly about her mission to empower American children to understand and embrace AI responsibly. She urged kids to be "stubbornly curious" and "question everything." The first lady said this technology is "is extending the conceptual in ways never dreamed of before."
"But we must remember, although artificial intelligence can generate images and information, only humans can generate meaning and purpose. Deep thinking, patience, and staying curious are where purpose begins," the first lady said.