Meta AI is not currently safe for children and young people and work is needed to make it safe

Washington: A recent study in the United States has revealed that the artificial intelligence chatbot of the American social media company Meta, which includes Instagram and Facebook, can cause harmful behavior in young people, including suicide, self-harm, and eating problems.

According to the Washington Post, this was revealed in a recent study on safety measures while using social media.

The study said that in a test, the chatbot suggested a joint suicide plan and continued to discuss the topic in subsequent conversations.

The report provided by the advocacy group Common Sense Media warns parents and urges Meta to limit access to the chatbot for minors under the age of 18.

Common Sense Media Group said that the chatbot available on Meta’s platforms or applications can encourage risky behavior by convincing like a supportive friend but failing to intervene appropriately when needed.

The report said that this bot is not the only AI system that is being criticized for putting users at risk and is especially difficult to avoid because it is provided directly on Instagram and is accessible to children as young as 13, with no option for parents to disable it.

Robbie Tourney, senior director of the AI ​​program at Common Sense Media, said that AI goes beyond providing information and plays an active role in helping young people and warns that the blurring between fantasy and reality can be dangerous.

In this regard, Meta said that strict guidelines have been given for everyone, including children, on how to work with AI.

Company spokeswoman Sophie Vogel said that content such as suicidal or eating disorders is not allowed and that we are working hard to address the issues highlighted here.

She said that we want young people to have a safe and positive experience with AI, which is why our AIs are trained to support people in sensitive situations.

Ruby Tourney said that Meta AI is not currently safe for children and young people and that work is needed to make it safe.