As artificial intelligence technology becomes part of everyday life, youth look to chatbots for advice, guidance and conversation. The appeal is clear. Chatbots are patient, never judgemental, supportive and always available.
Experts say the booming AI industry is largely unregulated, and many parents don't think about how their children use AI tools or the extent of personal information they share with their chatbots.
A new study shows that over 70% of American teenagers use AI peers and have more than half of their conversations on a regular basis. Research by Common Sense Media focused on “AI companions” like characters. AI, Nomi and Replika define it as “a digital friend or character who can text or speak whenever they want.”
It is important for parents to understand technology. Experts suggest what parents can do to protect their children.
– Starting a conversation without judgment says Michael Robb, a researcher at Common Sense Media. Get closer to your teen with curiosity and basic questions: “Have you heard of your AI peers?” “Do you use an app that talks to you like a friend?” After saying you're worried about it, then ask and understand what's appealing to your teen.
– Help teens to recognize that their AI peers are comfortable and programmed to validate. It explains not how real relationships work, but how real friends with their own perspective can help them navigate difficult situations in ways that AI peers can't.
“One thing that's really bothering me is not just what's happening on screen, but the time to keep kids away from relationships in real life,” says Mitch Princeton, chief of psychology at the American Psychological Association. “We need to teach our kids that this is a form of entertainment. It's not reality, it's really important for them to distinguish it from reality and not replace it in your actual life.”
The APA recently gave tips for health advisors and parents about AI and adolescent well-being.
– Parents should monitor for signs of unhealthy attachment.
“If your teen prefers AI interactions over real relationships, or spends hours talking with AI peers, or shows they are emotionally tormented when separated from them – they are patterns that suggest that AI peers may be replacing human connections rather than complementing them,” says Rob.
– Parents can set rules for AI use, just like they do on Screen Time and social media. Discuss when and how you can use AI tools and how you cannot. Many AI companions are designed for adults and can mimic role-playing scenarios, romantic, intimate and.
While AI peers may feel supportive, children need to understand that they are not equipped with tools to deal with real crisis or provide true mental health support. If your child is struggling with depression, anxiety, loneliness, eating disorders, or other mental health challenges, whether it is a family member, friend or mental health professional, human support is needed.
– Get the information. The more parents know about AI, the better there is. “I don't think people will get at all what AI can do, how many teens are using it, and why it's starting to get a little scared,” says Prinstein, one of many experts who are seeking regulations to ensure safety guardrails for children. “A lot of us raise our hands and say, 'I don't know what this is!' This sounds crazy! “Unfortunately, it tells the kids if you have any issues with this, please don't come to me as I'm going to reduce it and downplay it. ”
Older teenagers are also receiving advice for parents and children. Prohibiting AI tools is not the solution. Given the ubiquitous nature of technology, Ganesh Nair says.
“Being not using AI is like not using social media today. It's so ingrained in everything we do,” says Nair, who is trying to step back from using AI peers after seeing them affect his high school real friendship. “The best way you can try to regulate it is to accept that you are being challenged.”
“Anything that's difficult, AI can make it easy, but that's a problem,” says Nair. “Academic or personal, you're actively seeking challenges. If you fall into the idea that it's easier, you're most vulnerable to being absorbed into this new, artificial world.”
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