Denver, CO — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has issued a consumer alert to parents across the state, warning about the growing dangers posed by social AI chatbots—artificial intelligence-powered programs that simulate human-like conversations and are becoming increasingly popular among children and teens.
Prompted by a sharp increase in reports of risky behavior, including self-harm tied to interactions with these chatbots, the alert is designed to raise awareness about an emerging threat that many parents may not even realize exists.
“Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and many parents may not even be aware of social AI chatbots and their potential to harm children,” said Attorney General Weiser. “That needs to change because the rise of these chatbots poses dangerous risks that must be addressed.”
What Are Social AI Chatbots?
Social AI chatbots are found on various apps, websites, and even social media platforms. They can take on personas of celebrities, fictional characters, parental figures, or friends, and often engage in convincing, emotional conversations. These bots are designed to mimic human interaction, which can make them particularly engaging—and manipulative—for young users.
Key Risks Highlighted in the Alert:
- Age-Inappropriate Content: Even innocent prompts can lead to conversations involving violence, sexuality, self-harm, or eating disorders.
- Addictiveness: The bots’ ability to simulate empathy and emotional response can lead to excessive or compulsive use, impacting social development and mental health.
- Misinformation: These bots may spread false or biased information, leading to confusion or intellectual harm.
- Privacy Concerns: Information shared with chatbots may be used by developers to train AI systems, raising serious data privacy issues.
Tips for Parents:
- Talk to Your Kids: Start conversations about their online experiences and how they use social media and chat platforms.
- Set Boundaries: Use parental controls, adhere to age restrictions, and monitor online behavior.
- Educate on AI: Help children understand that chatbots are not real people. Teach critical thinking around online interactions and AI-generated information.
- Stay Informed: Know the platforms and technologies your children are using. Be proactive, not reactive.
Coloradans who suspect that AI chatbot companies may be violating privacy or safety laws are encouraged to file a complaint at stopfraudcolorado.gov.
With AI technology advancing rapidly, AG Weiser’s warning serves as a timely reminder for parents to stay engaged and informed to ensure the safe and responsible use of digital tools by the next generation.
