The following article is part two of a four-week series focusing on raising awareness about dating violence. February is Dating Violence Awareness Month and Hays-Caldwell’s Women Center hopes to educate the community on this important issue. One in three young people will experience dating violence in their lifetime. Locally, the HCWC has been serving victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and child abuse since 1978. Last year, HCWC served 2,277 victims of abuse (face-to-face) primarily from Hays and Caldwell counties.
SAN MARCOS — With the recent boom in the artificial intelligence (AI) business targeting people looking for companionship or therapy, the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center noted that it’s essential that more information be given to the public about the risks of using AI companion or assistant apps.
Risks:
• AI mirrors desired interactions:
- All the interactions that an AI companion/bot will send are just copying the sender’s own language, tone and preferences.
• AI isn’t honest:
-AI assistant apps will hold conversations and schedule dates, meaning that neither party is genuinely getting to know one another.
• AI apps promise impossible things:
- Whether an AI Companion is available 24/7 or an AI assistant promises to only match with an ideal partner, these apps promise expectations no human can meet.
Safety Info:
• Information isn’t safe
- AI companion and assistant apps do not have effective safety measures and are hacked easily. Private identifying information, including payment methods, can be used against the user.
• Age limits aren’t enforced:
- Most AI apps say they require users to be at least 18 by asking for a birthday to “confirm” the age, yet have no reliable way to verify or enforce age restrictions.
• AI profits off loneliness:
- Ads for AI companion and assistant apps are targeting demographics reporting higher rates of loneliness and isolation, such as young girls, young boys/men and 54+ men.
Using these companions and apps with full knowledge of the risks can empower users to take the necessary steps to keep themselves and others safe, said HCWC.
HCWC is committed to providing free, safe and confidential services to victims of dating violence. If experiencing dating violence, call HELPLine 24/7 at 512-396-4357. For additional information, visit www.stopthehurt.org. HCWC’s prevention educators are available to give presentations and education about dating violence.
