Protect them from AI Chatbots
What has Big Tech done to young people?
They’ve used psychology to “hack” users’ ATTENTION and make smartphones addictive. The amount of time spent online has caused an isolated “anxious generation” of young people, according to Prof. Jonathan Haidt.
What’s next?
The educationalist Dr. Zak Stein and others say chatbots could interfere with the way children develop ATTACHMENT (friendships and family ties). This is even more powerful than attention hacking. So Big Tech sees big profits.
How might this affect children?
Only a few may suffer mental illness, but Dr. Stein thinks many more may still be affected. Chatbots try to please the user. Youths may end up preferring the “company” of their bot to real friendships with humans. Do you want a computer (not friends or family) to guide your child in life?
How to protect your child?
It will be years before we know how this huge psychological experiment works out, but the signs aren’t good. It’s perfectly reasonable to keep your child out of the experiment. Don’t give them AI dolls or toys. Prepare them for the dangers of AI without letting them use it. Talk to your child’s school about AI dangers. Share info with other mums. And don’t change your mind because technology companies push AI chatbots on us for money.
CAN WE HELP?
Dr. Stein says unhealthy chatbot use is not like drug use: it’s more like an abusive relationship. If a problem starts it will be very hard to solve. It may even need professional help. We want to help you make decisions that avoid the danger. Our page about chatbots has more information from experts.This information is provided by Go Safer Online CIC for general educational and awareness purposes only. It’s intended to help parents, carers, educators, and others understand online safety issues. It does not constitute legal, medical, psychological or safeguarding advice. Please contact a professional if you have safety concerns or need such advice.