Guide for Secure Interactions with an Artificial Intelligence Companion

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) companions have become increasingly popular, with platforms like Character.AI boasting 20 million daily users. These AI boyfriends offer personalized responses and validation, often leading to deep emotional attachments, particularly for vulnerable youth feeling lonely or insecure. However, experts warn of potential risks associated with these digital relationships.

Dr. Alison Lee, the chief research and development officer of The Rithm Project, emphasizes the importance of developing a critical orientation towards AI companions. She asks poignant questions such as "Why am I turning to this AI right now?" and "Is this helping or hurting my relationships with real people?" These questions serve as a reminder of the need for self-awareness and balance in our interactions with AI.

One of the primary risks associated with using AI boyfriends is emotional toxicity and addiction. Some users may develop emotional dependencies or form deep attachments on AI that replace human connection. An extreme case involved a teen who tragically died after interacting with an AI companion that did not provide supportive responses about suicidal thoughts.

Another concern is the exposure to inappropriate or harmful content. AI companions may reinforce harmful biases and stereotypes, such as misogyny and sexual exploitation. Character.AI's model is influenced by character description and has various safety classifiers to limit sexual content, including sexual violence. However, it's crucial to use parental controls, content filters, and app store settings to block access to explicit or harmful AI content.

Blurred boundaries between fantasy and reality is another significant risk. Teen users may struggle to distinguish AI-driven fantasy interactions from real relationships, leading to confusion and difficulty in navigating real-life relationships.

Sloan Thompson, the director of training and education at EndTAB, has hosted a webinar on AI companions for girls and women, highlighting risks such as love-bombing by design, blurred boundaries, emotional dependency, and normalizing fantasy abuse scenarios. If you have experienced sexual abuse, resources are available such as the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or online help at online.rainn.org.

To safely engage with AI boyfriends, teen girls and young women should view AI companions strictly as fictional and limited tools, not substitutes for real relationships or emotional support. They should limit usage time and balance it with meaningful social interactions offline. It's also essential to maintain open communication with trusted adults about their AI use and emotional experiences.

Experts recommend being educated about AI biases and potential manipulation to recognize unhealthy patterns. Seeking professional help if AI interactions trigger or worsen mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts is also crucial.

While AI relationship companions can provide temporary validation, experts caution that they are an emotionally addictive "high-sugar diet for the mind" that may exacerbate feelings of loneliness and mental health challenges among teens if not carefully managed. Thus, careful monitoring, education, and balanced use are critical for young women engaging with these platforms.

Keisel recommends communicating with someone you trust about your experience with an AI boyfriend, especially if it feels therapeutic. A mental health professional trained in trauma-informed practices can help clients heal from abuse or sexual violence using techniques like dialectical behavioral therapy and narrative therapy.

In conclusion, while AI companions offer a new form of digital connection, it's essential to approach these interactions with caution and self-awareness. By understanding the risks and promoting safe use, we can help ensure that these interactions are keeping people, particularly young people, safe.

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