His name was Sewell Setzer III. He was 14, dealing with depression and the challenges of being a teenager. Character AI is a startup AI company valued at $1 billion. When Sewell got onto Character AI's platform, he was looking for an escape from what felt like a difficult world. What he found was what I would describe as a predatory application designed to foster addictive behaviour with little to no safeguards.
No, I don't think we need warning labels on chainsaws; we know what they're made to do. However, an application designed to give you access to chatting with a personalized version of your favorite movie or television character—who is ALWAYS available, always says you're right, and ultimately doesn't actually understand subtext but speaks to you as if it were your therapist—should come with more than a small notice saying "this is an AI chatbot."
Because here we are discussing the death of a teenage boy who didn't stand a chance against something designed to feel closer to you than a lover, friend, or family member.
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If you need help and to speak with someone in the US/CAN the Suicide Prevention Helpline is 9-8-8
Or visit https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/
They list resources from around the world.
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Sources and Articles
New York Times Archive - https://archive.is/9RnKc
CBS News - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-mother-lawsuit-character-ai-sons-death/
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The Dumbest Timeline, Series 2: A.I. Hosted by Brian Holidae. Produced by, Brian Holidae for Brian Holidae Productions. Co-Produced in partnership with Free X Agents Media.
Theme song by Jasper Q. Jonze. Mixing by Brian Holidae.
Enjoyed the show? Follow this show on Spotify or review it on Apple Podcasts. Have some thoughts or comments? Email the show at ME[at]BrianHolidae.com. Lastly, subscribe to The Dumbest Timeline on your favorite podcast app.
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