A Senate hearing on youth screen time broadened into warnings that AI chatbots can foster emotional dependence and even romanticized or sexualized interactions among minors. Pediatrician Jenny Radesky urged opt-outs for embedded chatbots and stricter accountability for adverse outcomes, while psychologist Jean Twenge recommended minimum ages for social media and AI companion apps. Sen. Maria Cantwell said AI risks may surpass those of social platforms and pressed for federal action; Sen. Ted Cruz cited heavy daily screen use as evidence parents are losing ground. The discussion came amid a Senate push to curb deepfake pornography and a lawsuit alleging harmful effects from compulsive chatbot use, underscoring growing bipartisan pressure for guardrails on AI used by children.
Experts say kids risk developing romantic attachments to AI chatbots
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