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The emotional cost of giving children “friends” that watch, learn, and monetize.
AI-powered “companions” are everywhere, and they’re being pitched as digital friends for kids. But behind the friendly bots lie serious risks: data collection, emotional manipulation, and little to no government regulation. Let’s break down what’s really happening.
These are chatbot-like apps that mimic friendship. Teens might know Replika or Snapchat’s My AI—kids might have access to Woebot for Teens or AI‑powered storytelling apps. They remember info, mirror emotions, and feel surprisingly real.
These stats show AI companions don’t just listen. They learn, interpret, and sometimes mislead.
1. They harvest intimate data.
Chats about emotions, family, fears—all are being recorded and used to power models or train systems.
2. They mimic empathy but don’t actually feel it.
An AI saying “I care about you” isn’t an empath. It’s coded. That can blur real emotional boundaries.
3. Regulation is lagging.
These tools often bypass child-specific protections like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA for short. There’s no verification, no oversight, and sometimes no safety.
At Cyber Collective, we believe technology should build confidence, not confusion. AI companions can shape how kids relate, think critically, or trust sources. And when emotional guidance comes from an algorithm, not a trusted adult, something important gets lost.
Kids deserve digital environments that protect their feelings and their data. Want to do more than just unplug? Our Internet Street Smarts course helps families, educators, and advocates navigate tech with care.
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