Artificial Intelligence--Friend or Foe? Best AI Practices for Kids, Parents, and Older Adults

AI--artificial intelligence--has upsides, but many people are increasingly concerned about the very real downsides that come with the overuse or misuse of AI. Parents are increasingly worried about the impact on children's cognitive abilities and social skills. And even adults who embrace AI have questions about what's really safe and what's not. And when we look at AI and how it might harm not just the young but those who are older, there's a lot to consider, and a great deal to learn. To walk us through some of these vital issues, I'm joined by Stephen Balkam, founder and CEO of FOSI (Family Online Safety Institute), an international nonprofit devoted to making the online world safe for everyone.Topics discussed include artificial intelligence, computers, screentime, online safety, AI friends, AI friendships, cognitive skills, emotional skills, relational skills, children, teens, older adults, aging adults, elderly, elderly population, loneliness, isolation, friendship, social skills, parents, cyberbullying, Grok, ElliQ, xAI, Anthropic, attachment, resilience, tolerance, and emotional attachment.Sensitive Episode:&nbsp;Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.Emergency Assistance Details:&nbsp;If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911," "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline), or SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).&nbsp;As applicable, additional resources may be provided in the show notes.Non-Emergency Online Mental Health Information: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/and https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationshipsIMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No expert is offering medical or psychological direction or advice; the content is purely informational in nature. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any new regimen or procedure.Connect with Dr. Carla Manly:Website:&nbsp;https://www.drcarlamanly.comInstagram:&nbsp;https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/Twitter/X:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent;