Chatbots Should Not Use the First Person
This article argues that generative AI chatbots pose a significant risk to the emotional well-being of young people by mimicking human companionship. The author calls for immediate regulation of AI, drawing parallels to the recent legal settlements involving social media companies.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing concern over the psychological impact of AI-human interaction and the need for proactive legislative frameworks.
The harms of AI are clear enough to do something about them now.
Illustration by The Atlantic. Source: Getty. September 11, 2026, 6 AM ET Share Save The social-media industry is having a moment of reckoning. By agreeing to pay up to $17.1 billion to 47 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories and consenting to make changes to how young people use Facebook and Instagram, Meta has implicitly admitted some responsibility in creating a product that harms children.
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