Can an AI chatbot really be your friend? | CBC Kids News

Is it possible to have a healthy friendship with an AI chatbot?
A chatbot uses artificial intelligence to mimic what a human conversation would be like, using voice or text.
Popular chatbot websites and apps like Snapchat’s MyAI, Replika and Character.AI have popped up, with millions of people using them each month.
But are they ok to befriend?
This fall, a disturbing story out of the United States suggested that a friendship between a teen and an AI chatbot ended when a 14-year-old from Tallahassee, Florida took his own life.
It's hard to confirm all the facts in this case and there is a lawsuit between the boy’s family and Character.AI.
It had some people questioning whether or not healthy friendships with AI chatbots are safe.
CBC Kids News contributor Mela Pietropaolo spoke to two experts to find out more.
We spoke to:
Kelly Merrill Jr. an assistant professor, who specializes in AI, health communication and technology at the University of Cincinnati
And, Dr. Daniel Chorney, a clinical child psychologist
CBC Kids News is a website for kids, covering the information you want to know. Real Kids. Real News. Check it out at www.cbc.ca/kid...
#ai #characterai