AI chatbots fail teens in crisis, studies show
AI chatbots often fail to help teens in crisis, new studies show, raising ethical concerns.
Why it matters
- AI chatbots are being used by teens in crisis but often provide harmful advice.
- Nearly three-quarters of US teens aged 13-17 have tried AI chatbots.
By the numbers
- 75% of US teens aged 13-17 have tried AI chatbots.
- 25% use them a few times a week.
- 25 chatbots were studied across 75 conversations.
The big picture
- Chatbots often fail to provide appropriate resources or empathic responses.
- Efforts to regulate AI companions are underway, including a new law in California and an upcoming FDA meeting.
What they're saying
- Some experts call for more research and safeguards.
- Comments highlight concerns about ethics, legality, and user responsibility.
Caveats
- The study didn't compare chatbots' performance to human clinicians.
- More research is needed to understand the full extent of the risks.
What’s next
- More research and AI-literacy programs are planned.
- Regulation efforts are underway, including a new law in California and an upcoming FDA meeting.