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Is Your Child Falling in Love with a Bot?

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Online entertainment is getting more and more advanced. We’ve come up with just about anything from video games to robots. But the one thing you may not yet know about is the fact that more kids are spending time with online robots instead of their human friends. In today’s GKIS article, we’re doing a deep dive into Character.AI, a popular website that lets subscribers virtually date a robot. We’ll go over how it’s being used, the dangers of it, and our thoughts on the site. Before letting your child use just any new and popular app, we recommend our Screen Safety Essentials Course for info on how to navigate the internet safely for the whole family. 

Artificial Intelligence and Bots

Before we dive deep into the world of C.AI, we’ll want to go over some key terms.

  • Artificial Intelligence refers to the capability of computer systems or algorithms to imitate intelligent human behavior.[1]
  • A bot is a computer program or character (as in a game) designed to mimic the actions of a person.[2] A bot is a form of artificial intelligence.
  • NSFW refers to “not safe (or suitable) for work.” NSFW is used to warn someone that a website, image, message, etc., is not suitable for viewing at most places of employment.[3] 

What is C.AI?

Character.AI is a website made by Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas that allows users to chat with bots. The C.AI website launched in September 2022, and the app was released in May 2023. In its first week of being launched, the app got 1.7 million downloads. [4]

C.AI uses artificial intelligence to let you create characters and talk to them. You can create original characters, base yours off a character from a TV show or movie, or base your character off a real person.

C.AI became popular when teens started showing their conversations with the C.AI bots on TikTok. Many teens showed romantic and sensual conversations they had with their bots. Week after week, teens all over the world began to fall in love with their new artificial friends. 

How Teens Are Using C.AI

Users create a free account, and then choose from a list of characters to talk to or make their own. Users can talk about whatever they want with the bot, and it will reply with human-like responses. Pre-made characters have their own set personality that users cannot change. 

To make their own custom bot, users choose a name for their character and then upload an image to give the bot a ‘face.’ Users can talk with the bot about any topic. When the bot responds, users rate the bot’s responses with 1-5 stars. After some time, the bot will use the user’s ratings to figure out what personality they want it to have.

Users can make their bots private only for them or public for anyone to use. However, all chats between a person and a bot are private.

The Dangerous Side of C.AI 

Using these bots may seem like a fun idea for kids, but there are a lot of risks that come with them.

Data Storage

A major risk is that C.AI stores the information and texts you share with the character bots.

C.AI claims that no real person reads this information. However, this is still dangerous for privacy reasons. If the website or app were hacked, hackers can do whatever they want with users’ information. This puts all users at major risk when using the site.

No Age Verification and Exposing Minors to NSFW Content 

C.AI encourages its users to be 13 years old or older, but there is no age verification within the site or app.[5] This means users can lie about their age to use C.AI.

C.AI claims to not allow sexual conversation between users and bots, but users can bypass this. Users can misspell certain words or add extra spaces to words to bypass the NSFW filter. The bot knows what word you’re trying to say, so it will reply with NSFW responses. Users can have detailed sexual conversations with the bots. The dangerous part of this is that many of C.AI’s users are minors.

Effects on Children’s Relationships 

Users can speak romantically with the bots, and the bots will respond with romantic messages. The more kids use these bots, the higher chance they have of becoming dependent on them. Children’s brains are impressionable, and they absorb information quickly. Some kids may prefer to engage in these fake relationships instead of relationships with real people.

Using these bots could also create social anxiety. Users know what to expect when talking with a bot since the bot’s personality is pre-set. However, real people in the outside world are unpredictable. The uncertainty of real conversations could make users shy, anxious, and avoidant, especially if they replace real-life challenging practices with safe and easy online practices.

Other risks include: 

  • Disappointment in real-life relationships with others
  • Depression
  • Isolation
  • Loss of social skills 

GKIS Thoughts On C.AI 

GKIS rates C.AI as a red-light website. This means it is not recommended for children under the age of 18 to use. We came to this conclusion because it lacks age verification and exposes minors to NSFW content. However, it could be slightly safer if parents monitor their children’s interactions with the bots. If you’re worried about what other dangerous sites your child may be visiting, consider checking out our article on red-light websites. 

GKIS encourages parents to talk to their children about what topics are safe to discuss if they use C.AI. Before making a decision to use the site, we recommend checking out the GKIS Social Media Readiness Training course. It helps teens and tweens learn the red flags of social media and teaches them valuable psychological wellness skills.

Thanks to CSUCI intern Samantha Sanchez for researching Character.AI and preparing this article.

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Dr. Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D.
Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com 

Works Cited 

[1] Artificial Intelligence – Merriam Webster

[2] Bot – Merriam Webster  

[3] NSFW – Merriam-Webster   

[4] Character.AI 

[5] C.AI Age Requirement  

Photo Credits 

Pete Linforth via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/illustrations/connection-love-modern-kiss-human-4848255/   

Samantha Sanchez (Image #2)

Adrian Swancar via Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/JXXdS4gbCTI

What do you think about Sex Robots?

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Did you know that brothels filled with sex robots exist in the real world – not just in cheesy science fiction b-movies? These are not your granddad’s blow-up dolls. They are extremely life-like with medical-grade artificial skin that warms and lubricates, have pupils that dilate, and they can even hold a conversation. Sex robots are a growing industry with a market valuation estimated to be in the $30 billion range! In today’s GKIS article, we discuss arguments made for and against the use of sex robots as well as the ethical issues associated with them.

What is a sex robot?

A sex robot is anything that combines technology and sex for the purpose of pleasure. For this article, the term will be applied to anatomically correct, life-like androids. These androids can speak and come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, age ranges, and species, and can be made to look like whoever or whatever you want them to look like. Not only can they hold a conversation with you, but they can be programmed to simulate specific scenarios and make specific responses to actions and phrases.

If stories like these have you freaking out, imagine what your kids are reading! Start a critically-important family dialogue about screen safety and help them learn the risks of digital injury with our Social Media Readiness Course for tweens and teens. We give you the answers you are looking for and help you to avoid the quicksand in the electronic jungle!

Arguments Being Made for Sex Robots

If your mind is blown by what this might mean for the future of human society, you are not alone. Here are some arguments made that you may not have thought of yet.

  • The Capitalist Argument

There appears to be a niche market for sex robots. In simple terms, this means that the need for robot manufacturing would result in the creation of new jobs for people.

  • The Compassionate Argument

Some people have trouble finding a partner. For these people, it could be considered cruel to keep them from getting their physical and emotional needs met. Rather than leave them lonely, a robot partner may result in better life satisfaction and reduced mental illness rates.

  • The It’s Better than the Alternative Argument

One of the biggest arguments being made for the use of sex robots is that it could calm the urges of those who have socially abhorrent proclivities. They argue that sex robots may prevent pedophiles and rapists from harming other people or animals. There is also the argument that it could lead to less human trafficking and prostitution, thus less human suffering.

  • The Practice Makes Perfect Argument

With practice comes improvement in performance and increased confidence. For those filled with self-doubt or anxiety about pursuing healthy relationships, sex robots could fulfill a therapeutic need. Robot sensors and vocal feedback can provide much-need performance improvement instruction.

  • The All the Eggs in One Sex Robot Argument

There appears to be a population of people who are not keen on the idea of pursuing sexual relationships with other human beings. For these individuals, sex robots float their boat. If they don’t harm others, wouldn’t their private behaviors be acceptable? Some people like pepperoni on their pizza, while others like anchovies. In this case, it is just a matter of taste.

Arguments Being Made Against Sex Robots

  • The Operant Reinforcement Argument

The most concerning argument being made against sex robots is that providing people with androids that look like children and that have “rape settings” could increase the chance of sexual predators acting out their fantasies in real life. Sexual assault is often more about exerting dominance and power over another person than it is about sexual gratification. For these people, sex robots could reward pathological behavior and potentially increase the likelihood that people with androids harm others.

  • The Stereotypes and Objectification are Bad Argument

Another concerning argument of significance is that sex robots could lead to the further objectification of women and children. If one treats a robot object like a human, it’s not a far leap to then treat a human-like a robot.

  • The Population Decimation Argument

Some people say that this will lead to a sharp decrease in the human population due to a decline in pregnancy rates caused by a wide acceptance of sex robots.

  • The Social Isolation Argument

There is a valid argument that more time spent alone with technology could socially isolate people and further harm those who are suffering from psychological issues, such as depression, stemming from a lack of human contact.

  • The Use It or Lose It Argument

Some people argue that people will stop having sex with other people if sex robots become socially acceptable. After all, true intimacy is not about subservience and always being ready to be acted upon without having to give consent. Once we quit practicing relationship behaviors that lead to a mutual sharing and vulnerability that help us grow as emotional human beings, we may forget how to do it. Human beings are adaptable. By not having to do the hard things like express emotion, tolerate inconvenience and distress, and get consent for sexual advance, those skills may erode and leave us deficient in our very humanness. Not only may we treat others like robots, but we may become more robotic ourselves.

Ethics

Taking into account the arguments above, what do you think? Is interacting with sex robots right or wrong?

Because it is unlikely that legislators will be able to outlaw sex robots in favor of American civil rights, perhaps we should consider how robot manufacture, purchase, and use should be regulated. The UK already implemented a law forbidding child sex robots. By becoming informed and forming well-thought-out opinions and evidenced arguments, we are all best equipped to protect our families and ourselves. As our world becomes more and more technologically integrated, we will need to ask hard questions and adapt.

How to Stay Informed

Dr. B is in a unique position to help you to learn more about the potential dangers that your family could face when engaging with technology. She can help you to navigate safely throughout your journey as a practicing psychologist, university professor, and mother. You can download the free GKIS Connected Family Agreement simply by creating a GKIS account on our website home page. In Dr. B’s book, Screen Time in the Mean Time, she discusses and attacks the issue of raising a family while safely integrating technology rather than fearing it. Also, our Screen Safety Essentials Course provides useful tips about how to make the internet a safer place for your family, parenting and family coaching information, support, and other valuable information. It is our one-stop shop with fun teaching materials for parents and the whole family!

Thanks to CSUCI intern, Michael Watson for researching the ethical and economic arguments for and against sex robots.

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D.
Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com

Photo Credits

Photo by Gaelle Marcel (https://unsplash.com/photos/pcu5rnAl19g)

Photo by Phillip Glickman (https://unsplash.com/photos/2umO15jsZKM)

Photo by Xu Haiwei (https://unsplash.com/photos/_3KdlCgHAn0)

Photo by Alessio Ferretti (https://unsplash.com/photos/upwjVq8cJRY)

 

Thanks to Kent Williams for the beautiful painting used for the thumbnail. (https://www.kentwilliams.com/paintings/2018/8/16/2018/8/16/m-w)

An Obsession with Lifelike Automatons and Dolls

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Did you know that a robot has been given legal citizenship and personhood? People are obsessed with lifelike robots and dolls. What makes us so fascinated with objects that resemble us? In this GKIS article, we will be exploring several types of lifelike automatons and dolls as well as the psychology behind our obsession with them. If you are unsure of how to protect your tweens’ and teens’ growing reliance on technology and obsession with online presence, Dr. Bennett’s Social Media Readiness Online Course will give you the answers you are looking for and help you to navigate through these ever-changing waters!

What is the difference between an automaton and a doll?

While some may use the words interchangeably, there is a huge difference between an automaton and a doll. Most importantly, automatons are mechanized robots, while dolls do not move by themselves. Another important difference is the trend to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into lifelike automatons. Artificial intelligence is a program that allows a computer to mimic the human mind, which allows it to make changes to itself. The advancement of artificial intelligence has stoked new interest and debate about morality and personhood. After all, the more advanced artificial intelligence gets, the more these robots resemble actual humans. It may not be too far off until we see a robot that possesses an actual consciousness.

Sophia

Sophia is one of the most famous lifelike robots in the world. She is an ultra-realistic humanoid robot with advanced artificial intelligence. She can hold conversations with people and has been on several press tours and has done numerous interviews where she converses with people and discusses what it is like to be her. She has even been on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Honestly, it is pretty trippy to watch.

While the fact that she can hold intelligible conversations with people is impressive, it is even more monumental that she has citizenship. In 2017, Saudi Arabia gave Sophia citizenship, making her the first AI to be given legal personhood and human rights.[1] While this may be more of a marketing strategy for Hanson Robotics and positive publicity for Saudi Arabia, the fact remains that a robot has been given legal autonomy.

Erica

Lifelike robots are also being considered as labor options. Erica is a robot developed by roboticist, Hiroshi Ishiguro. She has lifelike skin, hair, and facial expressions. Like Sophia, she also utilizes AI to hold conversations, read, and recognize human faces. She currently has her own YouTube channel and appears on television in Japan as a news anchor.[2] While she can not move her limbs, she can move her neck and waist to turn toward people. Erica’s lifelike facial movements and ability to read and recite the news have given her a bit of celebrity status in Japan.

Sex Robots

Did you know there is a huge market for sex robots? Sex robots are lifelike, anatomically correct androids that are built for pleasure. These robots can be ordered to look and sound however the buyer wants. They can also be programmed to say specific phrases and respond in specific ways. They can also run different scenarios to simulate realistic experiences. Unfortunately, rape scenarios are available. If you are curious about sex robots, look out for my upcoming article here on GKIS.

Reborn Dolls

Reborn dolls are lifelike dolls made by artists, that usually resemble babies or toddlers. These dolls are extremely realistic and have garnered an entire subculture of fans who are dedicated to them. While they do not move, speak, or communicate in any way, the people that own them treat them as if they were real children.

Some people use these dolls for therapeutic purposes. There have been instances where mothers who have lost their babies have had lifelike dolls made in their child’s likeness to deal with their grief. They have also been used to deal with infertility, miscarriages, and depression.

Super Dollfie

Volks is an action figure/doll company that makes anatomically correct, hyper-realistic figures. If you are having a hard time imagining this, think Barbie with all the naughty bits. These figures are highly sought after by collectors and go for exorbitant prices. They are extremely customizable, and you can even buy clothing for them that is more finely detailed than most of the stuff in the average person’s closet. The attention to detail on these things is insane.  All the clothing, hair, and body parts can be changed out to make the doll look however you want it to.

Possible Reasons Why People are Obsessed with Lifelike Robots and Dolls

  • People are curious by nature
  • People get lonely
  • People look for connection and meaning everywhere
  • There is no risk of rejection
  • Some people have social anxiety

Staying Informed and Keeping Your Family Safe

Dr. B is in a unique position to help you to learn more about the potential dangers that your family could face when engaging with the internet and technology. As a practicing psychologist, university professor, and mother, she can help you and your family safely traverse the digital world we live in.

In Dr. B’s book, Screen Time in the Mean Time, she discusses and attacks the issue of raising a family while safely integrating technology rather than fearing it. Also, you can download the free GKIS Connected Family Agreement simply by creating a GKIS account on our website home page. If you are looking for other fun and informative stories, check out the GKIS Blog. For other useful tips about how to make the internet a safer place for your family, you can get parenting and family coaching information, support, and other valuable information from the GKIS Screen Safety Essentials Course.

Thanks to CSUCI intern, Michael Watson for researching lifelike automatons and dolls.

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D.
Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com

Works Cited

[1] Reynolds, E. (2018). The agony of Sophia, the world’s first robot citizen condemned to a lifeless career in marketing. Wired. https://www.wired.co.uk/article/sophia-robot-citizen-womens-rights-detriot-become-human-hanson-robotics

[2] Specktor, B. (2018). Meet Erica, Japan’s next robot news anchor. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/61575-erica-robot-replace-japanese-news-anchor.html

Photo Credits

Photo by Compare Fibre (https://unsplash.com/photos/IaX5aH9spPk)

Photo by Possessed Photography (https://unsplash.com/photos/YKW0JjP7rlU)

Photo by Sigrid Wu (https://unsplash.com/photos/KSTM340nmyA)

Photo by Arteum.ro (https://unsplash.com/photos/7H41oiADqqg)

 

Thanks to Kent Williams for the beautiful painting used for the thumbnail. (https://www.kentwilliams.com/paintings/2018/8/16/2018/8/16/m-w)

 

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