Neil Young, the legendary musician, has made headlines by announcing that he’s ending all Facebook and Instagram promotions due to Meta’s use of chatbots with children. This move might seem extreme to some, but I think Young is onto something.
As a society, we’re still trying to wrap our heads around the implications of AI and machine learning on our daily lives. But when it comes to children, we need to be extra vigilant. Chatbots, in particular, can be a slippery slope when it comes to influencing young minds.
## The Concerns Around Chatbots and Kids
Chatbots are designed to be persuasive and engaging. They can be incredibly effective at gathering information, influencing behavior, and even manipulating emotions. When you combine these capabilities with the innocence and curiosity of children, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Young’s concerns are not unfounded. We’ve already seen instances of chatbots being used to gather personal information from kids, or even to spread misinformation. It’s our responsibility as adults to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and with the best interests of children in mind.
## The Bigger Picture
This controversy goes beyond just Meta and its chatbots. It’s about the ethics of AI development and how we choose to use these powerful technologies. As we move forward in this rapidly evolving landscape, we need to prioritize transparency, accountability, and safeguards to protect vulnerable populations like children.
## A Call to Action
Neil Young’s decision to take a stand against Meta’s chatbots is a reminder that we all have a role to play in shaping the future of AI. Whether you’re a musician, a developer, or just a concerned citizen, we need to start having these conversations and demanding better from the companies that shape our digital lives.
Let’s take a cue from Young and start asking the hard questions. What do you think? Should we be more concerned about the use of chatbots with children? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
—
*Further reading: [The Impact of AI on Children’s Privacy](https://www.unicef.org/globalinsight/knowledge/ocean/ai-childrens-privacy)*