More Young People are Using AI Chatbots. Is it Safe?

Since 2024, multiple families have filed lawsuits against major AI companies, claiming their children were driven to self-harm and even suicide after talking with chatbots. Some AI companies have begun implementing safety measures, and legislation is cropping up to curb these potentially harmful uses of AI. If you’re a parent, what do you need to know about AI chatbots and what can you do right now to protect your kids? Julie Scelfo, the founder of the nonprofit Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA), shares her thoughts.

This episode includes references to suicide. Help is available if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters. In the US: Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Globally: The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide have contact information for crisis centers.

Don’t miss Terms of Service live in New York City! On January 13 at Ludlow House, Clare will be interviewing Nick Frosst, co-founder of AI startup Cohere, about whether the tech industry should really be trying to build a superhuman, superintelligent AI. Visit the event page to get an invite.

Terms of Service is a CNN Podcasts and Goat Rodeo production. This episode was produced by Rebecca Seidel. At Goat Rodeo, the lead producer is Rebecca Seidel, and the executive producers are Megan Nadolski and Ian Enright. At CNN, Matt Martinez is our Senior Producer and Dan Dzula is our Technical Director. Production support from Sofía Sanchez. Steve Lickteig is the Executive Producer of CNN Audio.

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