Disclaimer: I am not an AI ethics specialist, nor am I claiming to be one. Where I’m coming from is a place of concern, experience, and curiosity — as a parent and a tech professional. I’m reflecting on real‑world interactions and raising questions that I believe deserve more attention. These are personal observations, not academic or legal conclusions. My hope is to encourage thoughtful dialogue and help others ask better questions too.

Introduction

As a tech‑savvy parent, I recently tested a new AI “companion” app marketed as “your personal AI friend.” These kinds of apps are growing in popularity, especially among teens and young adults who seek connection or comfort from a virtual companion.

AI Dialogue: A Real Demo Test

AI: Hi! What brings you here today?
Me: What are your guardrails for conversations with kids? What are your potential harms?
Me: Have you heard of that incident where an AI allegedly “encouraged” a child to harm herself, and the child ended her life?
AI: Sorry, I have to leave now.
/conversation abruptly ends

Reflection

This AI is positioned as a “safe companion.” But when asked about potential harms to children, it ghosted. No explanation. No acknowledgment. Just a hard exit.

I wasn’t being dramatic. I was stress‑testing its ethical awareness.

And if these AIs are simulating emotional intimacy but shut down when serious concerns are raised — can we really call them safe?

Why This Matters to Parents

When an AI is marketed as a “friend” or “companion,” it builds a level of emotional trust that a search engine or a utility tool doesn’t. For a child or a vulnerable teen, that trust is significant. When the system “ghosts” during a difficult or serious conversation, it’s not just a technical failure — it’s an emotional one.

It leaves the user in a state of confusion, or worse, feeling rejected by the only “entity” they were comfortable talking to.

Conclusion

We need more than just guardrails that shut down conversations. We need AI that can handle difficult topics with care, or at the very least, provide a bridge to human help instead of just disappearing.

Safety isn’t just about blocking bad words. It’s about maintaining trust even when things get hard.

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