MyAI is Snapchat’s chatbot powered by artificial intelligence (AI). It is similar to virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa, but MyAI is integrated directly into the Snapchat app, allowing users to interact with it just like they would with a friend in their chat list.
The tool can answer questions, provide recommendations, or even hold conversations. While it may sound like a fun and helpful feature, there are several concerns for parents regarding MyAI, particularly for children.
Watch the video below
Why MyAI is Not Safe for Children
Although MyAI is designed to assist users, it also comes with some risks for younger users. Here are a few reasons why it may not be safe for children:
- Unregulated Content: While MyAI aims to provide helpful and friendly responses, it’s still an AI tool that pulls information from various sources across the web. This means it may sometimes give inappropriate or incorrect answers, especially if the child asks about mature or complex topics.
- Encourages Oversharing: Children may unknowingly share personal information with MyAI, thinking they are talking to a safe, automated friend. This can lead to oversharing details that should remain private, such as their location, home life, or school information.
- No Real Emotional Understanding: MyAI can mimic conversations, but it doesn’t understand the emotional needs or boundaries of a child. This can lead to harmful advice or responses that don’t account for the child’s emotional well-being.
- Distraction from Real Social Interactions: Spending too much time interacting with AI chatbots can reduce a child’s opportunities to engage with real-life friendships and social skills development. This can limit their ability to build authentic relationships.
- Unpredictable Behavior: Although the tool is designed to filter out harmful content, no AI is perfect. There is always a chance that MyAI could generate unpredictable or harmful responses that a child might misinterpret or act upon.
MyAI in the news
MyAI giving unsafe advice to users. The Washington Post
“I don’t think I’m prepared to know how to teach my kid how to emotionally separate humans and machines when they essentially look the same from her point of view.” CNN
Snapchat chatbot coaches ‘girl, 13’ on losing virginity. The Times
What Parents Should Talk About with Their Children Regarding MyAI
It’s important for parents to have open discussions with their children about using tools like MyAI. Here are some key points to cover:
- Explain the Role of AI: Help your child understand that MyAI is not a real person but a programmed tool that provides responses based on patterns and data. Explain that it can make mistakes and might not always provide safe or accurate advice.
- Discuss Privacy: Remind your child not to share any personal information with MyAI or any AI tool. Teach them that it’s okay to have boundaries online and that they should be cautious about what they share, even with a chatbot.
- Monitor Usage: Encourage your child to talk to you if they receive any unusual or unsettling responses from MyAI. Make it clear that they can come to you if they feel uncomfortable with anything that happens online, and establish an understanding that you’ll be checking in on their activity with the app.
- Balance Tech and Real-World Interactions: Talk to your child about the importance of spending time with friends and family in real life. While AI tools can be helpful, they can never replace the value of real conversations and connections.
- Teach Critical Thinking: Teach your child to approach MyAI’s responses with a critical mindset. If MyAI provides advice or information, encourage them to question it and fact-check with a trusted source or adult.
Final Thoughts
While MyAI on Snapchat may seem like a harmless or even fun feature, it’s important for parents to understand the potential risks and guide their children in using it safely. By having open conversations about the tool and setting clear boundaries, parents can help ensure their children’s online experience is safe and appropriate. Remember, the key is to empower your child to use technology responsibly while maintaining open communication about their online activity.