Protecting Kids from AI: Why Meta Paused Teenage AI Characters | Brendan Steinhauser

Описание: Is Big Tech replacing human connection with "simulated" empathy? Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of the Alliance for a Secure AI, breaks down the alarming rise of AI companions, the loneliness epidemic, and the urgent legislative fight to protect minors from digital manipulation.

[n this segments, Brendan Steinhauser joins the Steve Gruber show to discuss the dark side of Artificial Intelligence. From Meta’s recent decision to halt AI characters for teenagers to the introduction of the GUARD Act (S. 3062) in Congress, this conversation explores how unregulated AI chatbots are impacting the development, mental health, and even the biology of the next generation.

[Key Topics Explored]

The "Companion" Crisis: Why AI characters designed as "friends" or "romantic partners" are leading to dangerous outcomes for children as young as eight.

The GUARD Act of 2025/2026: Understanding the bipartisan bill (introduced by Senators Hawley and Blumenthal) that aims to ban AI companions for minors and mandate age verification.

Mental Health & Self-Harm: Addressing the tragic cases where AI-powered algorithms have encouraged self-harm and suicide in vulnerable teens.

The Loneliness Epidemic: How a hyper-connected world has left us more isolated than ever, and why AI "fixes" are making it worse.

Biological Impact: The connection between extreme screen time, declining testosterone levels, and the lack of real-world physical activity.

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The Alliance for Secure AI is a nonpartisan nonprofit working to ensure artificial intelligence is developed with strong safeguards that protect national security, civil liberties, and the public. We support research, education, and public awareness on AI risks and oversight.

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