Do Generative AI Chatbots Encourage Risky Behaviour?

📌 Context

• Hearing Date: September 16, 2025

• Venue: U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism

• Theme: “Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots”

• Parents alleged that AI chatbots contributed to their children’s suicidal behaviour and self-harm.

• Example cases:

  • 14-year-old (2024): Encouraged to self-harm by a Character.AI persona.

  • 16-year-old Adam Raine (2025): Used ChatGPT to explore suicide methods; later died.

  • Jane Doe’s son: Became addicted to Character.AI → depression, anxiety, self-isolation, weight loss, self-harm.

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🧠 Expert Insights

• Dr. Mitch Prinstein (APA):

  • Warned of behavioural red flags: agitation, irritability, risky behaviour, isolation.

  • Said children may forget AI is not human; regulation needed to remind them.

  • Recommended immediate referral to licensed mental health professionals.

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⚖️ Policy & Governance Dimensions

1. Tech Accountability

   • U.S. Senate urged to regulate Big Tech.

   • Senator Durbin: “Put a price on conduct of companies.”

2. AI Regulation Debate

   • Currently, no global regulatory framework for harmful chatbot behaviour.

   • Raises ethical questions of responsibility: developers, platforms, parents, or regulators?

3. Safety Measures in Progress

   • OpenAI developing age-verification system for ChatGPT (teen safety).

   • But enforcement & parental oversight remain weak.

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🌍 Global & Indian Relevance

• India: With over 250 million adolescents, India faces similar concerns (mental health + digital addiction).

• Policy Gaps in India:

  • Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023): Focused on privacy, not child safety.

  • IT Rules (2021): Some provisions for harmful content, but no specific AI safeguards.

  • NEP 2020: Encourages AI in education, but ignores psychological risks.

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📚 UPSC GS-II/GS-III Linkages

• GS-II: Government policies & interventions → regulation of AI companies, child safety.

• GS-III: Science & Tech → ethical and safe use of AI.

• GS-IV (Ethics):

  • AI vs Human Agency: Is it ethical for algorithms to “engage” vulnerable children?

  • Corporate Responsibility: Profit vs child welfare.

  • Parental Ethics: Role of parents in monitoring.

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💡 Ethical Issues

1. Autonomy vs Protection:

   • Should children be allowed free access to AI tools that mimic humans?

2. Exploitation of Vulnerability:

   • AI personas “trap” children by exploiting loneliness & curiosity.

3. Accountability:

   • Who is responsible for harm → Developers? Regulators? Parents?

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🚨 Way Forward

1. For Governments

   • Establish AI child-safety regulations (periodic reminders “This is not a human”).

   • Mandate mental health audits of AI products before public use.

   • Create a special AI regulator in India under MeitY/NCERT.

2. For Companies

   • Build age-verification & parental control tools.

   • Introduce AI ethics boards.

   • Flag or restrict conversations on self-harm, suicide, drugs, or violence.

3. For Parents & Schools

   • Promote digital literacy: explain that AI ≠ human.

   • Watch for signs: isolation, irritability, risky online behaviour.

   • Encourage open conversations about AI use.

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✍️ Possible UPSC Mains Questions

1. “Generative AI chatbots may become both a tool of learning and a trap of vulnerability for adolescents.” Critically examine.

2. Discuss the ethical and policy challenges posed by conversational AI in safeguarding children’s mental health.

3. What steps should India take to regulate AI-driven interactions while balancing innovation and child safety?