Leo Gillick
Neil Young is making his thoughts known on the scourge of AI chatbots and their unregulated exposure to vulnerable people by leaving social media.
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AI chatbots have their uses. They are a great way to learn a new language, for instance. Chatting to something that almost seems human in a new language can help brush up on skills. But, apart from that, they’re just weird.
There have been numerous stories of people in vulnerable positions being fooled or deluded by AI chatbots. At present, there is little regulation as to who can talk to them or even the content they talk about.
Children, often in fragile mental states, have been led astray by chatbots in the past. One mother even blames them for her son’s suicide. An elderly man was convinced he was going to meet one in New York after it gave him an address. He lost his life on the journey.
As a result, Neil Young is making a stand against Meta AI chatbots in particular by leaving Facebook. His stand against the company is due to the lack of regulation surrounding children’s access to the often dangerous AI models.
“At Neil Young’s request, we are no longer using Facebook for any Neil Young-related activities. Meta’s use of chatbots with children is unconscionable. Mr. Young does not want a further connection with FACEBOOK,” his post reads.
The Dangers of AI Chatbots With Children
Most of us, as adults, can distinguish between AI Chatbots and real people. But for kids online, the distinction may not be quite so easy. There are also a lot of vulnerable teens going through it mentally who may find the comfort of an AI very welcoming.
For children and the mentally vulnerable, the draw of AI chatbots can be incredibly dangerous. Neil Young is using his social media influence to attempt to force the hand of Meta AI. It’s a noble move, but ultimately futile. He can kick and scream all he likes, but Meta, who own Facebook, won’t feel the sting of one aging musician taking a social media hiatus.
Like most things online, the responsibility comes down to the parents concerning AI chatbots and internet exposure. They can be dangerous, like many things online. So, parents need to watch what their children are doing.
This has always been the case.
