OP/ED
The following article is part three of a four-week series focusing on raising awareness about dating violence. February is Dating Violence Awareness month, and we hope to educate our community on this very important issue. 1 in 3 young people will experience dating violence in their lifetime. Locally, the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center has been serving victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and child abuse since 1978. Last year, HCWC served 2,277 victims of abuse (face-to-face) primarily from Hays and Caldwell Counties.
With the recent boom in the AI (Artificial Intelligence) business targeting people looking for companionship or therapy, it’s essential that more information be given to the public about the risks of using AI Companion or Assistant Apps.
RISKS:
- AI Mirrors What You Want: All the interactions an AI Companion/Bot will send are just copying your own language, tone, & preferences.
- AI Isn’t Honest: AI Assistant Apps will hold conversations and schedule dates, meaning that neither you, nor the person connecting with you, are genuinely getting to know one another.
- AI Apps Promise Impossible Things: Whether an AI Companion is available 24/7 or an AI Assistant promises to only match you with your ideal type, these apps promise expectations no human can meet.
SAFETY INFO:
- Your Info Isn’t Safe: AI Companion & Assistant apps do not have effective safety measures & are hacked easily. Private identifying info, including payment methods, can be used against you.
- Age Limits Aren’t Enforced: Most AI apps say they require users to be at least 18 by asking for a birthday to “confirm” the age yet have no reliable way to verify or enforce age restrictions.
- They Profit Off Loneliness: Ads for AI Companion & Assistant apps are targeting demographics reporting higher rates of loneliness and isolation – young girls, young boys/men, & 54+ men.
Using AI Companion & Assistant apps with full knowledge of the risks can empower each of us to take the necessary steps to help keep ourselves and each other safe.
Nicole Preston is the Counseling Program Director and Ely Doyle is the Primary Prevention Coordinator at the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center.
We are committed to providing free, safe, and confidential services to victims of datingviolence. If you are experiencing dating violence, please call our HELPLine 24/7 at 512396-4357. For additional information, visit our educational website: www.stopthehurt.org. HCWC’sPrevention Educators are available to give presentations and education about dating violence.
