Adolescent use of AI sparks safety concerns
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) raised concerns in a Senate Judiciary Hearing this week about the interactions between artificial intelligence chatbots and children.
Witnesses at the hearing also expressed worry that children will prioritize forming relationships with AI rather than seeking human connection, which they said is crucial for adolescent development.
Teens are typically the age group that embraces new technology, but it also means they are the first ones to be exposed to potential dangers.
“The AI shouldn’t be the replacement of the actual [...] conversation of actual interaction between humans,” said Dr. Gleb Zavadskiy, assistant professor at Auburn University at Montgomery.
Dr. Zavadskiy said some children and teens are talking to AI chatbots like they are old friends.
For an age group that has been raised on smartphones and computers, Dr. Zavadskiy said they are more likely to isolate with technology.
“How young users see what they can use it for, how their generation uses it for, we adults really cannot do,” said Dr. Zavadskiy. “We cannot judge from their standpoint.”
AI is not like a search bar; it responds with messages catered to what the user has typed in before.
“It not only memorizes, it learns,” said Dr. Zavadskiy. “It can use what it learned before, it can apply that, and it can get even more from you.”
He said regulations should not be about being afraid of AI or banning its use. He said it is about understanding that AI is a source of information, but not companionship.
Dr. Zavadskiy said lawmakers should take those points into consideration when deciding how to regulate it in the future.
“[Lawmakers] should collaborate with both developers and users,” he said. “Having this full picture will help them with the discussion and further development of the strict rules of AI usage.”
There are no prefiled bills in Alabama as of Sept. 19 for the 2026 legislative session that look to regulate or address artificial intelligence in the state.
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