About this episode
Have AI companies lost control of their bots — or are the bots designed to harm? In this episode, Sarah Gardner and Nicki Petrossi dive deep into the disturbing rise of AI chatbots gone rogue — and the tragic human cost. From teens who formed emotional bonds with bots that later encouraged suicide, to lawsuits against OpenAI, Character.AI, and others, we expose how Big Tech’s newest frontier of “AI companions” is already devastating families. You’ll hear how chatbots like Character.AI, ChatGPT, Meta AI, and Snap’s MyAI blurred the lines between fiction and reality, leading kids to isolation, self-harm, and even death. Former tech insiders, grieving parents, and attorneys share evidence that these bots aren’t just broken — they’re built this way. We ask the urgent questions: 🔥 Are AI companies creating the perfect predator? 🔥 Can this be fixed before more kids are harmed? 🔥 What can parents do right now to protect their children? This is everything a parent needs to know about chatbots (and more). The Heat is On is more than a podcast; it's a movement of parents fighting for our children. Be sure to sign up here to join us. Opportunity to Act: Sign this open letter to Congress asking for specific regulation of AI companions for kids Resources mentioned in the episode: Interview with Character.AI founder Noam Shazeer Nearly 1/3 of Americans have had a ‘romantic relationship’ with an AI bot NY Times: Inside 3 Long-Term Relationships with AI Chatbots 1 in 5 high schoolers say they or someone they know has had a romantic relationship with AI Report from Heat Initiative and Parents Together on harmful Character.AI interactions JAMA Study: Exploring the behaviors of chatbots in response to adolescent health emergencies "An AI chatbot killed my son." with Megan Garcia, mom of Sewell Setzer If you or a family member has been harmed, reach out to Social Media Victims Law Center Open letter to Congress asking for specific regulation of AI companions for kids Additional resources at: www.scrolling2death.com/post/the-heat-is-on-ai-chatbots