Conversational AI Chatbots and US Teens: Nearly Half Who Use Them Report Harm
Over the past two years, the public has learned the names of teens like 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III, who developed a romantic attachment to a Character.AI chatbot, and 16-year-old Adam Raine, whose extended conversations with ChatGPT culminated in the bot providing specific suicide guidance. These tragedies surfaced a question many of us in the youth […]
Youth, Generative AI, and Social Chatbots: What We’re Learning, and What Comes Next
NOTE: Since April 2020, we have been offering every one of our presentations and trainings in virtual modalities (e.g., Zoom, WebEx, Teams). Reach out if you need specifics, as we’ve optimized the way we engage with our audiences from afar! This training – customized for either youth-serving practitioners or youth themselves – will equip attendees with a […]
An AI Bot Chose Violence
Something happened recently in the field of AI that everyone should know about. An AI bot, with no human giving it a direct order in the moment, chose to retaliate against a real person. It researched him, dug up personal details about his life, and published a hit piece designed to damage his reputation. I […]
2nd International Conference on Children’s Rights in Stellenbosch, South Africa
I am just back from a thought-provoking conference experience centered on AI and youth in South Africa. It was hosted at Stellenbosch University, in the Western Cape province about 30 miles east of Cape Town. The specific theme was “Artificial Intelligence, Online Safety and Children’s Rights in the Digital Environment” – areas I am very […]
2025 World Anti-Bullying Forum in Norway
I just wrapped up participating in the 2025 World Anti-Bullying Forum (WABF) in Stavanger, Norway, and it was…epic. I do not use that word lightly. The WABF has always been special to me, as I get to spend time with other passionate scholars and practitioners who have come together to tackle bullying in all its […]
How Platforms Should Build AI Chatbots to Prioritize Youth Safety
The introduction and adoption of AI chatbots across multiple domains has ushered in many enjoyable and educational possibilities. These conversational agents – accessible via stand-alone apps or built into existing popular social media platforms – can offer companionship and support without the pressures or complications of real-world interactions. They can also provide youth with a […]
Lessons Learned from Ten Generative AI Misuse Cases
Generative AI can contribute to a wide range of possible risks and harms that can affect the emotional and psychological well-being of others, their financial state of affairs, and even their physiological health and physical safety. Both users and platforms (as well as government!) have a clear role to play, and I’ve explained their respective […]
Teens and AI: Virtual Girlfriend and Virtual Boyfriend Bots
A school counselor who works in a private school in California recently emailed me to ask for help as it relates to students and the misuse of specific AI bots. Her concerns, though, did not surround general purpose AI bots like Snapchat’s My AI or Microsoft’s CoPilot, but rather those that are specifically used as […]
Generative AI Risks and Harms – The Role of Platforms and Users
Generative AI is revolutionizing the way that content is created as user-friendly tools have made their way into the hands of the masses around the world. The possibilities seem endless, and their application may impact almost every sector of society. Since the beginning of time, though, every novel technology suffused with promise also provides an […]
Generative AI as a Vector for Harassment and Harm
As a social science researcher studying trust and safety on online platforms, it is critical to think through potential risks and negative impacts associated with the use of generative AI technologies. To be sure, its potential is incredible – and will benefit societal members in almost limitless ways. In this environment of giddy euphoria about […]
