The Federal Trade Commission is launching an investigation into AI chatbots from seven companies, including Alphabet, Meta and OpenAI, over their use as companions. The inquiry involves finding how the companies test, monitor and measure the potential harm to children and teens .

A Common Sense Media survey of 1,060 teens in April and May found that over 70% used AI companions and that more than 50% used them consistently -- a few times or more per month.

Experts have been warning for some time that exposure to chatbots could be harmful to young people. A study revealed that ChatGPT provided bad advice to teenagers , like how to conceal an eating disorder or personalizing a suicide notes. In some cases, chatbots have ignored comments that should have been recognized as concer

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