Technology – be it computers, smart phones or now even AI, can be great enablers. But do they also contribute to disconnection and loneliness in our society?

Recently the news of 14 year boy killing himself after being extensively engaging in conversation with AI chatbots, has really highlighted some of the risks involved in relying on AI or other technology platforms at an extensive levels for connections.

Given that adolescence is a time of significant transitions, so many changes happen in their social spaces, in their body and mind. Adolescents can be come rebellious or reclusive.

Conflicts, Failure, being misunderstood, rejection etc are all part of real life and real life relationships. In real life we handle these conflicts, learn to address the disagreements, and still stay in the relationships / friendships, making the connections stronger. Facing these difficult circumstances builds strength and resilience.

Over involvement with social media, online gaming, chat rooms, chatbots etc can deprive them of essential social connections and all the resilience building challenges that real life connections bring in. This contributes to the epidemic of loneliness that is already plaguing the society.

Given that technologies like AI are growing at such a break neck pace – we have not been able to setup adequate safeguards yet. And hence its imperative that parents take a more proactive role in keeping their wards safe. Having said that overprotective, intrusive parenting can be as damaging as lack of parental oversight. To achieve a balance in these spaces to keep the children safe is the key challenge.

Inner Dawn counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured in Herzindagi.

https://www.herzindagi.com/society-culture/ai-or-human-connection-teens-death-after-chatbot-conversations-raises-alarming-questions-on-ai-safety-article-1005756

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