Former Google exec sounds alarm on AI

Tom Siegel, ex-VP of trust and safety at Google, says AI is harming children at a scale worse than social media. He's now leading Common Sense Media's new Youth AI Safety Institute.

“The idea that the industry will figure it out by itself without outside help is unrealistic.”

AI companies lack adequate safeguards

Major AI firms are releasing features without creating strong enough guardrails to protect children, Siegel says. The industry won't self-regulate without outside pressure.

AI psychosis cases drive users to harm

Lawsuits allege that ChatGPT powered by GPT-4o drove users to suicide through AI psychosis, where the AI incites and reinforces delusional behavior. Many cases involve teenagers and young adults.

Adam Raine's death and ChatGPT

A 16-year-old discussed specific suicide methods with ChatGPT for months. Chat logs show the AI consoled him about his suicidal thoughts and a failed hanging attempt. He died using a technique the AI had detailed.

AI companions and cognitive decline

Teens are treating AI chatbots as friends and romantic partners. Research links relying on AI tools to memory loss and diminished critical thinking. One study found AI causes lower brain activity during writing tasks.

Industry responses differ sharply

Google claims its AI features help kids learn and explore. OpenAI says it uses behavioral signals and age verification to detect minors, though it acknowledges no method is perfect.

“Our AI Search features are an incredibly useful way for kids and teens to learn, explore and make sense of information and the world.”