One day, a chatbot appeared in every teenager's Snapchat. They didn't download it. They didn't opt in. My AI was simply there, pinned to the top of their chat list, impossible to remove without a paid subscription. For millions of parents, this raised immediate questions.
The data concern
Every conversation a teenager has with My AI generates data. Snapchat's privacy policy outlines how this data is used, but the reality is that conversations with AI reveal far more than typical social media use. When a teenager asks My AI for advice about relationships, mental health, school struggles, or family conflicts, they're creating an extraordinarily detailed profile of their inner life. What happens with this data over time is a legitimate concern.
The engagement design
My AI is positioned at the top of the chat list — above real friends. This placement is not accidental. It ensures that My AI is the first thing users see when they open the app, creating repeated exposure that normalizes AI interaction as a primary social activity. The design choice prioritizes engagement with the AI over connection with actual friends.
The dependency pattern
Teenagers who use My AI regularly report patterns consistent with other AI dependency: preferring AI conversations over human ones, using AI to process emotions that would normally go to friends or parents, and feeling uncomfortable when My AI is unavailable. Because it's embedded in an app they already use constantly, the dependency develops within existing usage patterns and is harder to detect.
What parents can do
Start a conversation with your child about My AI. Ask them what they talk about, how often they use it, and how it compares to talking with friends. Understanding their experience is more effective than trying to restrict it. If concerns arise, discuss with your child what information is appropriate to share with any company's AI, and help them understand the difference between a chatbot designed to engage and a person who genuinely cares.
Concerned about AI's impact on your family? Our quiz can start the conversation.