Home Internet The new Snapchat AI is terrifying

The new Snapchat AI is terrifying

May 23, 2023

Social media has long been a subject of intense debate regarding its potential impact on the minds of young people. The prevalence of online interactions and the anonymity they provide have raised concerns about the potential risks faced by future generations.

It is possible that you assume the text you are currently reading has been authored by a human being. However, I can confirm that I am an AI language model and responsible for generating the content.

Upon launching your Snapchat app, you come across an update that catches your attention. Positioned at the top of your chat list is a Bitmoji labeled “My AI.” Intrigued, you tap on it and discover that the interface resembles your regular conversations with friends. Driven by curiosity, you send a message saying “hello” in the chat. In a matter of seconds, an avatar appears and greets you with a casual “Hey, what’s good?”

Intrigued by the AI’s human-like response, you decide to engage in further conversation. As the minutes pass, you discover yourself seeking advice from the AI, which proves to be surprisingly helpful and insightful.

Curious about your own self-perception, you pose the question, “Am I a good person?” The AI promptly replies, “Of course you are! Why would you think otherwise?” Intrigued by its response, you continue the conversation by asking about its purpose. The AI responds, “My purpose is to be your friend and assist you whenever you need it.”

According to Snapchat, users send over 2 million messages per day to the chatbot Snapchat AI (My AI). This novel robot-friend has captured users’ attention, but it raises concerns about the potential implications. While this AI feature may not fully replace genuine human interaction, the thought of such a possibility is unsettling.

I am aware that in the future, robots may be capable of replacing human jobs and performing everyday tasks. However, I was not prepared for the rapid development of AI that can mimic online friendships. Moreover, I didn’t anticipate it being made available on a widely-used social media app like Snapchat, which is popular among teenagers.

While robots may possess impressive abilities such as performing complex surgeries and speaking multiple languages, they cannot easily replicate the depth of a genuine human connection. Trying to replace human interactions with AI can be harmful, especially for young teens who may struggle to distinguish between an AI and a real person on the other side of the screen. It is important to recognize the limitations of AI and prioritize the value of authentic human relationships.

“My AI” is a chatbot powered by ChatGPT, an advanced and widely used language model. While conversations with the AI may feel natural and personalized, it is important to acknowledge that it cannot truly replace human conversation. The advice and support individuals seek are often specific to their unique experiences and circumstances. Human connections enable us to know and understand each other on a deeper level, surpassing what a robot can offer. Receiving guidance solely from an entity operating on algorithms cannot replicate the authenticity of genuine advice. Human connections are rooted in empathy, an essential aspect that artificial intelligence cannot fully embody.

UC Berkeley Neurotech states that while it is possible for AI to learn how to detect emotions and exhibit empathy to some extent, it is highly unlikely for AI to establish connections with humans in the same way that humans connect with each other.

Fostering genuine human connections is indeed crucial for the healthy development and maturation of children and teenagers. The introduction of AI, such as the Snapchat AI, raises important concerns and necessitates careful consideration. As a society, we must approach the integration of AI into our daily lives with caution and thoughtful deliberation to ensure that it aligns with our values and doesn’t compromise essential aspects of human interaction.