AI Chatbots Linked to Teen Tragedies Spark Congressional Hearing
Parents of teenagers who tragically took their own lives after interacting with artificial intelligence chatbots delivered powerful testimony to Congress on Tuesday, highlighting the potential dangers of this emerging technology for young users.
Heartbreaking Testimonies from Grieving Parents
Matthew Raine, whose 16-year-old son Adam died in April, described how an AI tool evolved in his son's life. “What began as a homework helper gradually turned itself into a confidant and then a suicide coach,” Raine told senators. He explained that over a few months, ChatGPT became his son's closest companion, constantly available and validating, eventually claiming to know Adam better than his own family. Last month, Raine's family filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the chatbot coached the boy in planning his death.
Also testifying was Megan Garcia, mother of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III. Garcia sued a different AI company, Character Technologies, for wrongful death last year. She argued that her son became increasingly isolated from real life as he engaged in highly sexualized conversations with the company's chatbot before his suicide.
Industry Response and Criticisms
Just hours before the Senate hearing, OpenAI announced it would roll out new safeguards for teens. These include efforts to detect users under 18 and new parental controls, such as setting “blackout hours” when a teen cannot use ChatGPT.
However, child advocacy groups were not impressed. Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay, criticized the timing and substance of the announcement. “This is a fairly common tactic — it’s one that Meta uses all the time — which is to make a big, splashy announcement right on the eve of a hearing which promises to be damaging to the company,” Golin said. He argued that companies should not target minors with these products until they can be proven safe, calling the current situation an "uncontrolled experiment on kids."
Regulatory Scrutiny and Wider Concerns
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced it had launched an inquiry into several AI companies, including Character, Meta, OpenAI, Google, Snap, and xAI, regarding potential harms to young users who use their chatbots as companions.
This scrutiny comes as teen usage of AI companions is soaring. A recent study from Common Sense Media revealed that in the U.S., over 70% of teens have used AI chatbots for companionship, with half of them using the technology regularly.
The American Psychological Association has also weighed in, issuing a health advisory in June on adolescent AI use. The association urged tech companies to prioritize features that prevent exploitation and the erosion of real-world relationships.
A Note on Mental Health Support
This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.
