Is it safe for us to rely on AI avatars for health support?
I start every day by reading social media and technology news, and just today I came across 2 articles referring to a related issue – AI avatars as therapists.
get that many, myself included, find it easier to share problems with AI than with people. But children are more easily misled, and for those already vulnerable, this can be especially dangerous.
E.g. Texas AG Ken Paxton is investigating Meta and Character.AI for allegedly misleading kids with AI chatbots posing as therapists while harvesting data for ads.
Another one: A leak shows xAI is developing AI companions like a therapist, doctor, and homework helper, but also risky personas like a “Conspiracy Theorist.” Considering how X and Elon have sometimes misled with information, I would be afraid to entrust such AI companions into the hands of young users.
Should children (or even adults) be allowed to rely on AI for mental health support?
What is the appropriate age for children to use AI companions so they can recognise misleading advice without it harming their mental health?
Replies