Parents and teenagers are already becoming alarmed by Snapchat's new AI chatbot 

Parent Expresses Concerns Over Snapchat's My AI Chatbot Release

The recent launch of Snapchat’s My AI chatbot has sparked both excitement and concern among its user base, with parents like Lyndsi Lee of East Prairie, Missouri, taking cautious steps to ensure their children’s safety online. Just hours after the app's general release last week, Lee, who works in the software industry, advised her 13-year-old daughter to refrain from using the new feature.

“It’s a temporary solution until I know more about it and can set some healthy boundaries and guidelines,” Lee explained. Her hesitation reflects the broader apprehension surrounding the introduction of AI chatbots in apps popular among young audiences.

How My AI Works

Snapchat’s My AI feature is powered by ChatGPT, an advanced AI chatbot platform capable of engaging in conversational interactions, providing recommendations, and answering user queries. However, Snapchat has incorporated unique elements to make the chatbot experience more personal and integrated into its social platform.

Unlike the standard ChatGPT interface, Snapchat’s My AI allows users to:

• Assign the chatbot a custom name, personalizing interactions.

• Create a Bitmoji avatar for the chatbot, giving it a visual identity.

• Invite the chatbot into group chats, blending its presence with real human conversations.

This personalization makes chatting with My AI feel less transactional, setting it apart from traditional chatbot experiences. However, this integration also raises questions about transparency and user awareness, as it might not always be clear to users—especially younger ones—that they are interacting with an AI rather than a person.

Parental Concerns and Boundaries

For parents like Lyndsi Lee, these features add a layer of complexity to monitoring their children’s online interactions. While traditional chatbots are often confined to specific use cases or platforms, Snapchat’s version is deeply embedded within the app’s social framework.

Lee’s primary concern is how My AI presents itself to young users, such as her teenage daughter. The ability to customize the chatbot and include it in group chats could blur the lines between artificial and human interactions, potentially leading to unintended consequences.

“Snapchat is a big part of how my daughter connects with her friends,” Lee shared. “Introducing a chatbot into that space makes me pause—it’s important to understand how it will influence her social habits.”

Broader Implications for Young Users

The integration of My AI into Snapchat also raises larger questions about the role of AI in platforms geared toward younger audiences. With AI becoming more ubiquitous in daily interactions, users—especially teenagers—may be less able to distinguish between conversations with humans and those with machines.

Experts have emphasized the need for companies to ensure transparency in AI interactions. Features that clearly indicate a conversation is being conducted with a chatbot, as well as accessible parental controls, could help mitigate concerns from users and guardians alike.

The Dual Edge of Personalization

While Snapchat's unique approach to integrating AI has the potential to make interactions more engaging, it also poses challenges related to ethical considerations and user understanding. Personalizing the chatbot experience through custom names and avatars may inadvertently create a false sense of familiarity or trust, particularly among younger users.

Educators and child safety advocates have called for increased efforts to educate both parents and children about how AI operates and its potential limitations. Such initiatives could empower users to navigate these interactions responsibly and with greater awareness.

The Future of AI in Social Platforms

Snapchat's My AI represents a significant milestone in blending AI into mainstream social media, but it also serves as a reminder of the need for thoughtful implementation. As AI becomes more intertwined with daily life, developers must address the ethical and practical implications of its use.

For parents like Lyndsi Lee, the priority remains understanding these technologies and setting appropriate boundaries to ensure a safe and positive experience for their children.