Can A.I. be blamed for a teen’s suicide?

Some worry there may be a dark side to companionship bots.

View in browser|nytimes.com October 30, 2024 On the last day of his life, Sewell Setzer III, 14, took out his phone and texted his closest friend: a lifelike A.I. chatbot. He wrote that he was having thoughts of suicide. Now his mother is suing the company behind the bot, blaming it for her son's death. → If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times. To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018