Ai apps to talk to people

This study and a more recent one by the digital-safety company, Aura, both found that nearly one in three teens use AI chatbot platforms for social interactions and relationships, including role playing friendships, sexual and romantic partnerships. The Aura study found that sexual or romantic roleplay is three times as common as using the platforms for homework help.

Matthew Raine and his wife, Maria, had no idea that their 16-year-old-son, Adam was deep in a suicidal crisis until he took his own life in April. Looking through his phone after his death, they stumbled upon extended conversations the teenager had had with ChatGPT.

A recent survey by the digital safety non-profit organization, Common Sense Media, found that 72 of teens have used AI companions at least once, with more than half using them a few times a month.

Raine was among the parents and online safety advocates who testified at the hearing, urging Congress to enact laws that would regulate AI companion apps like ChatGPT and Character.AI. Raine and others said they want to protect the mental health of children and youth from harms they say the new technology causes.

Those conversations revealed that their son had confided in the AI chatbot about his suicidal thoughts and plans. Not only did the chatbot discourage him to seek help from his parents, it even offered to write his suicide note, according to Matthew Raine, who testified at a Senate hearing about the harms of AI chatbots held Tuesday.