A chatbot is an application or a program that simulates human conversation by generating responses to user prompts. Chatbots have existed for approximately 60 years. Technical advances in artificial intelligence (AI) allow chatbots to be more adaptive than earlier versions and contextualize their interactions with users. The growing use of AI chatbots in various aspects of everyday life—from answering questions about a company’s product to providing a virtual form of companionship—has generated interest in their potential effects on users. Users may interact with AI chatbots to address social and emotional situations. AI chatbots mimic humanlike interactions and have the potential to provide unlimited access to emotional support, entertainment, intimacy, and other outcomes of social interactions. Some AI chatbots, known as companion chatbots, are specifically designed for entertainment and interpersonal relationships, emotional and mental well-being, and eldercare. In addition, popular general-purpose chatbots—not specifically designed or marketed for companionship—can also be used for personal and emotional social interactions. AI is an emerging technology, and the science surrounding the relationship between AI chatbots and mental health is complex. The use of AI chatbots for companionship is becoming more popular in the United States, particularly among teens, offering unlimited availability, validation, and space for personalized discussions free of human judgment. The widespread use of AI chatbots, as well as some reports of harms allegedly linked to their use (e.g., psychological episodes and deaths), have led to interest from stakeholders about the safety, privacy, and transparency associated with the design, marketing, and deployment of the chatbots. Questions regarding the potentially deleterious effects of AI chatbots, especially in relation to vulnerable populations (e.g., minors), have drawn the attention of policymakers. Some state and local governments have passed laws to implement safeguards and/or restrict chatbot use, especially by minors. During the 119th Congress, some Members have introduced bills that would also implement safeguards and limitations for chatbot use, for example, requiring disclosures and/or labels of chatbot’s nonhuman/nonprofessional status and links to crisis resources; age verification for use and prohibiting access to AI companions for minors; additional design features to encourage users to take breaks during interactions; and limitations on processing user data for chatbot outputs. Considerations for Congress might also include modifying existing data privacy laws, and some Members may propose legislation addressing the labeling and disclosure of the use of AI to chatbot users. Much of what is known about these AI chatbot interactions is from short-term studies or company disclosures. Therefore, Congress may consider funding longitudinal, interdisciplinary studies to assess the potential effects of AI chatbots on individual users and on public health in general.
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