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.
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by Tre Wiggins – KTVO
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier this month, three parents spoke in front of a senate subcommittee to share the stories of their kids, all three groomed by AI chatbots, two of which ended up committing suicide.
The programs in question: Character.AI, Meta AI and ChatGPT.
These stories are just the tip of the iceberg, according to Common Sense Media. The data and AI safety advocacy group posted a study in July that showed 72% of teens have used AI companions before. Over half used said platforms at least a few times per month.
The American Psychological Association says teens are more susceptible to becoming obsessive with these companions. During puberty, adolescents can be hypersensitive to positive feedback.
The same Common Sense Media study says 1 in 3 teen AI companion users reported feeling uncomfortable with something chatbots said or did, and they’ve chosen to discuss important or serious matters with the companions instead of real people.
A more recent study, published on September 9 by the data security company Aura, shows children also have more in-depth conversations with AI than their friends. The average message to a chatbot companion is around 163 words, compared to just 12 in a typical text to a friend.
It also found that most conversations with AI involve:
Children who often communicate with AI – much like those who frequently use social media – reported elevated levels of digital stress.
A 2021 research project published in the National Library of Medicine breaks digital stress down into five pressures:
I asked Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., who chaired the subcommittee hearing if representatives of AI companies involved in these cases are open to testifying. He told me they have not responded to his requests.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says parents who are concerned about the risks of their children getting too closely involved with ai should have a conversation with their kids, explain the differences between humans and chatbots and talk about the dangers of sharing, especially when it comes to personal information.
We also are in search of a children’s mental health professional who would discuss this issue. If interested, contact me by emailing tawiggins@sbgtv.com or news@ktvo.com with the subject: Children and AI Chatbots.
