For some users, My AI provides a safe space to share thoughts and feelings, fulfilling the role of a low-maintenance conversation partner. This has become particularly appealing in today’s often isolating digital landscape, where forming genuine human connections can be a challenge. Some users, especially younger ones, treat My AI as a confidant, even as a substitute for a real friend. However, relying on an AI chatbot for emotional support definitely raises some ethical concerns. AI lacks true empathy, and although it can respond thoughtfully based on algorithms, it doesn’t provide the meaningful understanding a human friend would. The risk here is that users of AI may come to view it as a genuine companion, blurring the lines between human and machine interactions.
ethical concerns are raised when we start to understand that this character is not and will never be human.
Furthermore, the personalisation of this character continues to make it harder for users to make a distinction between human and machine interaction. Just like any human on Snapchat, you can personalise the My AI character and give them a name, a certain identity, and change the way that they look on your screen, almost creating an artificial human of your own; like designing your very own best friend. Although this might be most people's dream, ethical concerns are raised when we start to understand that this character is not and will never be human.
Another question to consider is how My AI may impact traditional social relationships. If users turn to My AI rather than close friends or family, it could lead to decreased social interaction. This offer of social replacement could contribute to social isolation, particularly if users become dependent on AI for companionship. It’s a trend we’ve seen across other platforms where AI chatbots are popular – users sometimes prefer the predictability of AI responses over the complexities of real human relationships; because most of the time, it tells you what you wish to hear.
users might not fully understand how much personal information they are inadvertently sharing with Snapchat.
Snapchat’s handling of the data collected from My AI interactions also sparks controversy. Every interaction users have with My AI contributes to a vast pool of data, providing Snapchat with insight into user behaviours, preferences, and emotional states. While Snapchat claims that the data collected is used to improve the experience for the user and maintain safety, some argue this data could be used for more targeted advertising or other profit-driven strategies. This raises important questions about privacy, as users might not fully understand how much personal information they are inadvertently sharing with Snapchat.
Overall, Snapchat’s My AI character walks a fine line between helpful tool and potential intruder. While it offers companionship and support, users should approach it with caution and keep an eye on how it might affect their social lives and personal data privacy, as AI continues to integrate into our lives, balancing innovation with awareness of its impacts will be crucial.
