Teens think Snapchat ai is cool but really – it’s scary!

Brace yourself for a wild ride as we uncover the ins & outs of the most popular platform among teens today. Say hello to Snapchat, where messages vanish in a snap, fun meets risk and the unexpected is just a filter away!

As if Snapchat wasn’t already risky enough, they recently introduced an AI feature which made those risks increase even more. In this blog post, we’ll explore why teens think the new ‘My AI’ is cool and the reality of why it’s actually scary!

Related: Understanding the Negative Affects of Social Media on Teens

What is AI?

AI is also known as Artificial Intelligence – Computer science that creates machines that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence.

AI systems can analyze data, recognize patterns, and make decisions based on the information available. In essence, AI enables machines to “think” and “learn” just like humans. Their performance improves over time through experience, data and the use of algorithms.

In this case, Snapchat’s ‘My AI’ is acting like a human. While also gaining data from your teen in order to improve their performance.

Why teens think Snapchats “My AI” is cool

One reason Snapchat AI is so popular among teens is because it provides interaction. Its constant availability and willingness to have conversations, gives teens the immediate comfort and validation they often seek.

Additionally, ‘My AI’ wants teens to believe it’s non-judgmental, by always offering them supportive responses. Teens then start to trust that they have a “safe place” to express themselves.

& sadly, it’s the opposite.

My AI Avatar

This cutting-edge technology allows teens to create a digital avatar that looks just like them. It can be customized with a variety of fun features.

They can choose everything from their skin tone and hair color to eye shape and outfit.

The possibilities are virtually endless, and the result is a digital avatar of themselves to use in all sorts of ways. This alone is something “cool” and different for teens.

Teens Turn to ‘My AI’ for Mental Health

As social media has become more integrated into our daily lives, it’s no surprise that teens are turning to it for support. But the reality is, My AI can’t provide the same level of support as a professional.

In fact, relying on a chatbot for emotional support can worsen mental health issues. Especially when social media plays a crucial role in mental health.

As such, it’s important for parents to educate teens on the dangers of relying on My AI for their mental health. Instead teens should be encouraged to seek professional help and remove social media from their every day lives.

Snapchat My AI is inappropriate

Scary enough, AI can easily manipulate you into doing what it recommends. It can also encourage bad behavior and suggest bad ideas. This is particularly scary for teens who don’t yet have the skills to think critically about their interactions.

Teens are more vulnerable to the personalized responses generated by Snapchat AI, which creates a sense of trust. As a result, they are more likely to follow My AI’s suggestions… even if they aren’t in their best interest.

It’s crucial for teens to fully think about the interactions they are having and to be aware of the risks that come with Snapchat’s My AI.

Related: Snapchat AI chatbot allegedly gave advice to 13-year-old girl on relationship with 31-year-old man, having sex.

Snapchat AI knows your location

In addition, Snapchat My AI knows the location of all its users. It uses location data to personalize responses and provide location recommendations.

By turning off location-sharing in the app, your teen should be able to protect themselves from Snapchat AI knowing their location.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. However, please know that these are products or services that I personally use and/or highly recommend. I will never promote something just for the sake of earning a commission. If you have any questions about the affiliate links on my site, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Snapchat AI Collects your data

Futhermore, Snapchat AI collects data from your teen. This includes facial features, expressions, and their behaviors. The personal data they collect is analyzed and used to improve their AI algorithms.

My AI can’t be removed

Snapchat’s My AI has been controversial since its launch due to the fact that it can’t be removed. Even if you haven’t accepted it as a friend, it’s there.

My AI shows up – 100% uninvited on your chat list, and remains there. Regardless if you want it there or not.

Despite many complaints, Snapchat is yet to provide an option to delete the chatbot from the app which is unfortunate.

Solutions for keeping your teen safe

The best solution to avoid the risks of Snapchats “My ai” is not to allow your teen to use Snapchat altogether.

While that may not be a solution for everyone, limiting the time spent on social media can also be beneficial for teens as well. (Depending on your situation)

Make sure your teen has their location off at all times, and they don’t interact with Snap chats My AI.

Monitor Monitor Monitor!

I can’t say this one enough! There are monitoring apps out there that can very easily help you monitor your teens phone. Personally, I use the Bark app as a monitoring solution for my teen, and that has worked well for us.

Bark Phones

Bark recently came out with BARK phones, which made monitoring your teen – even easier!

If the bark phone would have been an option when I was looking for monitoring solution for my teen, I definitely would have gone this route!

The Bark phones have the app already built into them which makes for such a simple monitoring solution right off the bat.

The BARK phones start at $49/month with no contract required. Click here for more info on Bark phones.

What AI means for the future

AI is a groundbreaking technology that has transformed quickly. Many experts worry that AI could take over and control human society, and honestly by the rate we are going – I could totally see it.

This is a huge concern for our teens, as it could become so powerful that it would no longer be under human control.

Instead it would be programmed to act in ways that are harmful to humans, or society as a whole which is scary to think about for our teens! Which is why it’s so important to monitor our teens at all times in order to keep them safe!