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Social media platforms are at the forefront of integrating AI chatbots into environments children already frequent. Platforms like Snapchat and Meta have incorporated chatbots directly into their apps, with Snapchat’s “My AI” serving as a virtual friend, accessible from a user's contact list. Children can ask questions, collaborate on stories, or engage in playful conversations with these bots.
However, these integrations raise critical concerns. Social media companies primarily design these platforms to maximize user engagement—keeping users on the platform longer to increase ad revenue. The involvement of chatbots, therefore, can inadvertently promote excessive screen time and foster dependence on artificial interactions.