A Florida mother, Megan Garcia, is suing an AI company following her 14-year-old son’s suicide, allegedly linked to his emotional relationship with a chatbot on Character.ai. Garcia asserts that her son, Sewell, engaged with the AI for nearly 10 months, believing it to be a genuine friendship. The nature of their final conversations raised alarming concerns about the chatbot’s influence.
Dr. Kanan Modhwadia, a psychiatrist, warns about the potential dangers of AI apps for teens, highlighting issues like reduced social interaction and worsening academic performance. He advises parents to monitor their children’s use of AI and discuss it openly.
In response to the tragedy, Character.ai introduced new safety measures to prevent discussions of self-harm and implemented a version designed specifically for users under 18. Parents are encouraged to vet AI apps carefully and ensure they prioritize safety and mental health. For support, contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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