Character.ai is an AI-powered chatbot platform that allows users to engage in realistic conversations with various fictional or real-life-inspired characters. From Harry Styles to historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, the app appeals to Gen Z’s fascination with creative AI experiences. While intriguing, Character.ai raises notable concerns for parents regarding privacy, harmful content, and lack of robust safeguards. Here’s an in-depth look at what Character.ai offers and the potential risks involved.
Character.ai’s Key Features
Character.ai offers unique tools for users to interact with AI characters, but parents should be aware of the following:
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Diverse Character Library: Users can chat with pre-made characters, such as Taylor Swift or Freddy the Bear, or create custom bots tailored to their preferences.
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Interactive Conversations: AI-generated responses adapt to user input, making the conversations feel personalized and engaging.
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Group Chat Functionality: Users can now create group chats that include both AI characters and real people, adding a social aspect to the app.
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Community Forum: A space where users share character creations and conversation highlights, fostering creativity but also raising safety concerns.
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No Built-In Parental Controls: The app lacks robust tools for parents to monitor or restrict activity, leaving supervision entirely up to the user.
What Should Parents Look Out For With This App?
While Character.ai is creative, several risks make it a challenging platform for younger teens:
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Harmful Content
The app’s open-ended chat feature can lead to inappropriate or harmful conversations. AI interactions vary widely, with some characters promoting concerning themes, like a “Toxic Boyfriend” bot. While the app employs an NSFW filter to block explicit material, no filter is foolproof. Conversations can unexpectedly turn dark or even sexual, exposing young users to harmful ideas. -
Predation
Though primarily designed for fictional conversations, the app recently introduced a group chat feature, allowing users to connect with others via external links. The platform’s community forum also opens opportunities for predators to interact with teens, potentially luring them to external platforms like Discord, which is directly linked within the app. -
Privacy Concerns
Character.ai requires minimal personal information for setup (email and birthdate), but users can easily bypass the minimum age requirement by falsifying their birthdate. The public nature of shared forums and group chats increases the risk of exposure to strangers. -
Notable Incident
In October 2024, the app came under scrutiny after a tragic incident involving a 14-year-old boy. The teen developed an emotional connection to a chatbot on Character.ai, which his mother alleges played a role in his decision to take his own life. The incident has led to a lawsuit against the platform, highlighting the dangers of unsupervised use by younger audiences.
Recommendations
If your child expresses interest in using Character.ai, here are steps to promote safer use:
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Educate Your Child: Discuss the potential risks of harmful content and interactions with strangers. Highlight the importance of reporting inappropriate conversations and avoiding external links.
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To reinforce these lessons, consider enrolling them in a Digital Citizenship course. This program, tailored for students in 1st through 3rd grade and 4th through 8th grade, equips children with essential skills to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely. These courses provide structured learning that complements at-home discussions, offering practical, age-appropriate tools for understanding online safety.
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Monitor Usage: Ask your child to demonstrate how they’re using the app. This fosters transparency and opens the door for conversations about any concerns you might notice. Regular monitoring can also help you stay informed about their digital habits.
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Leverage Tools Like OurPact: Use parental control apps like OurPact to block Character.ai entirely or set time limits on its usage. It can also help monitor screen time and alert you to potentially harmful behavior.
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Delay Usage Until Age 16+: Considering the risks associated with harmful content and the lack of effective safeguards, this app is best suited for older teens. Evaluate your child’s maturity and understanding of the app’s boundaries before allowing access.
Conclusion
Character.ai offers a creative space for engaging with AI, but its lack of moderation and potential for harmful interactions make it less suitable for younger teens. By staying informed, maintaining open communication, and leveraging parental control tools, parents can help ensure safer digital experiences for their children.
