With governments raising the minimum age for social media use to protect youth mental health, a new concern is emerging: the rise of romantic and companion AI bots. These AI companions, popular among young people, raise ethical and privacy concerns as they blur the lines between real and virtual relationships, risking psychological harm.
Criminologists report that adolescents, sometimes bypassing age restrictions, are exposed to potentially harmful interactions on these platforms.
As AI continues to reshape social dynamics, this report aims to support informed discussions and a balanced approach to navigating these digital-age challenges.
