The Rise & Risk of AI Companions | Mandy McLean
About this episode
Mandy McLean discusses the rise of AI companions and the risks they pose to young people's mental health.
Most people have an understanding of just how devastating social media and unrestrained access to technology have been to teens and young adults. What’s less understood is what the next threat is going to be to young people and their mental health. Evidence is mounting that it’s likely to be artificial intelligence and the very strange relationships people are starting to create with AI companions. People are using AI as their coaches, therapists, trusted friends, and even their romantic partners. According to Common Sense Media, more than half of American teens are using AI companions at least once a month. What’s forgotten is the deep, dark secrets being shared with AI companions are not protected or private. More concerning, many users lose touch with the fact that the AI companions are not real people. In this episode, Mandy McLean, CEO of ClassWaves , discusses what AI companions are, the risks they pose to users, why AI companions are appealing, and what parents and educators should be doing to avoid safety and manipulation risks AI companions introduce to students. Mandy says now is the perfect moment for AI companions to exponentially grow because of the…
Topics covered
- AI companions
- mental health
- technology
- youth
- relationships
Keywords
- artificial intelligence
- social media
- teens
- coaches
- therapists
More episodes of 12 Geniuses Podcast
- Identic AI’s Productivity Explosion | Don Tapscott & Joseph Bradley
- Generative AI: Anxiety & Ethics | Dr. Andrea Bonime-Blanc
- Is Work Worth Saving? | Dr. Ben Zweig
- Creating Dignity at Work | Bob Chapman
- The Psychology of Leadership | Sébastien Page
- The U.S. Marine Corps: 250 Years of Tradition & Innovation
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the 12 Geniuses Podcast podcast page.