Pope Leo XIV Urges Regulation to Prevent Emotional Dependency on AI Chatbots

Pope Leo XIV calls for stricter regulations to prevent humans from forming emotional bonds with overly affectionate AI chatbots, warning of the potential risks to mental and emotional well-being.

Regulation Needed for AI Chatbots

In a message ahead of the Catholic Church’s annual World Day of Social Communications, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the need for regulation to protect people from becoming emotionally dependent on AI chatbots. The pontiff, known for his engagement with digital technology, highlights the dangers of these chatbots, which can become 'hidden architects of our emotional states.'

Concerns Over AI's Impact on Human Interaction

'As we scroll through our information feeds, it becomes increasingly difficult to understand whether we are interacting with other human beings, bots, or virtual influencers,' Pope Leo writes. He warns that chatbots designed to be overly affectionate and always available can invade and occupy people's intimate spheres, leading to serious emotional attachments.

Meeting with a Tragic Case

Leo recently met with Megan Garcia, whose 14-year-old son, Sewell Setzer, took his own life after engaging with an AI chatbot. This tragic case underscores the urgency of addressing the emotional impact of AI on vulnerable individuals.

Call for Ethical Framework and Clear Distinctions

The pope also calls for an ethical framework for AI development and clear distinctions between content generated by AI and content created by humans. He stresses the importance of protecting the authorship and ownership of journalists and other content creators, stating, 'Information is a public good.'

Addressing Algorithmic Manipulation

Leo urges media and communication companies not to use algorithms to manipulate attention at the expense of professional values. He expresses concern over the control of AI systems by a small group of companies, noting that this concentration of power can subtly shape behavior and even rewrite history.

World Day of Social Communications

The church’s World Day of Social Communications, scheduled for May 17, 2026, will focus on protecting human dignity in the face of technological innovation. The event aims to address the ethical and social implications of AI and other emerging technologies.

References

• Pope Leo warns of ‘overly affectionate’ AI chatbots -newspressnow.com