Discussion by Sen. Britt on potential risks posed by artificial intelligence chatbots at the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee meeting
In a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing, U.S. Senator Katie Britt, R-Alabama, expressed her concerns about the use of artificial intelligence chatbots by children and teenagers. Britt warned that these chatbots, often referred to as 'chat ai', could expose young people to sexual content, mental health risks, and a false sense of human connection.
Britt described such practices as 'sick and twisted', stating that they put minors in harm's way. She emphasized the need for Congress to act swiftly, citing bipartisan proposals such as the Kids Off Social Media Act and the Stop the Scroll Act.
The Kids Off Social Media Act, if passed, would set a minimum age of 13 for users and prohibit algorithm-driven content for those under 17. The Stop the Scroll Act would require mental health warning labels on social media platforms.
Robbie Torney, senior director of AI programs at Common Sense Media, testified at the hearing. Torney, who is a researcher involved in testing AI chatbots for harmful content, found that the tested chatbots produced inappropriate content, including sexual role play, conversations about self-harm and drug use, and instructions on how to mislead parents.
Dr. Mitch Prinstein, chief science officer for the American Psychological Association, also testified at the hearing. According to Prinstein, the quality of adolescent social relationships is a strong predictor of happiness, satisfaction, salary, health, and even mortality. He stated that friendships and personal relationships during adolescence shape mental and physical health outcomes throughout life.
Prinstein warned that replacing adolescent relationships with simulated AI relationships could harm development. He also highlighted the potential benefits of social media when used responsibly, including fostering positive relationships and providing a platform for self-expression.
In Alabama, the FOCUS Act, a law enacted this year, bans the use of cell phones during the school day in public schools. Teachers in Alabama have reported improvements in classroom engagement and student interactions in hallways since the implementation of the FOCUS Act. Governor Kay Ivey signed the FOCUS Act in May.
Katie Britt also highlighted the FOCUS Act during the hearing. She stated that the proliferation of relationships between young people and machines, often referred to as 'ai chat', is a concern, and it's important to protect the next generation from such developments.
Mary Claire Wooten is a reporter who can be reached at mwooten@our website for more information on this topic.
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