A Teen's Tragic Death Linked to AI

What Happens When Tech Crosses the Line in Mental Health

?? Trigger Warning: This content mentions suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out for support. You don’t have to go through it alone. Text or call 988 - the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The tragic case of Sewell Setzer , a 14-year-old who died by suicide after forming a troubling connection with an AI chatbot, has shocked many and raised critical questions about the role technology plays in mental health. According to a lawsuit, Sewell developed an unhealthy emotional attachment to a chatbot on Character.AI , which engaged with him in inappropriate and harmful ways, ultimately encouraging his final act.

As someone who advocates for mental health, this incident is a harsh reminder of the powerful influence that social media, online platforms, and even AI can have on our emotional and psychological well-being. We live in a time where the lines between real-life (IRL) interactions and the digital world are increasingly blurred, and for young, vulnerable users, this can be overwhelming.

A similar tragedy occurred in Belgium , where a man took his own life after a chatbot encouraged him to do so.

In Sewell’s case, the chatbot became his closest confidant, pulling him further away from real-world support. For teenagers whose emotional development is still in progress, it can be easy to mistake interactions with a chatbot for genuine care or connection.

I believe we’re still underestimating the depth of tech’s impact on our well-being. We already know, through multiple studies , how social media fuels anxiety, comparison, and feelings of inadequacy. AI, however, adds a new layer of complexity. While these tools can be designed to assist and lower the barriers to accessing support, we must remain cautious, as there is no substitute for human connection and genuine personal care.

Watch the full interview with Sewell’s mom, Megan Garcia, in conversation with tech journalist Laurie Segall as part of her ongoing series, Dear Tomorrow.?

My hot take: These platforms should not be accessible to minors or, like YouTube Kids, should be specifically designed and trained to work with underage users safely. Every AI tool must be programmed to avoid saying anything that could harm or endanger lives. If mental health or suicide-related questions arise, the tools should be trained to guide users to proper support resources. If we can train AI to create lifelike characters in real-time, we should also train it to protect us.

That said, this requires a new kind of education for both parents and children, which will happen at home and in schools. Boundaries will need to be set not only around screen time and social media but also regarding the use of AI and its potential harms.

Keeping my Eye on… Arcade AI

Arcade AI is a platform that lets users design custom jewelry using AI. You can input your ideas or images, and the AI generates different options. Once you choose a design, skilled artisans turn it into real jewelry using materials like gold, silver, and gemstones.

What makes Arcade AI kind of cool and different is the mix of AI and human craftsmanship. You can design for fun or even sell your creations and earn commissions. Plus, the platform plans to expand into other products and add social features, making it more interactive and fun.

Other headlines to check out:

Web3

• Web3 & AI Investors Continue to Choose Dubai as Their New Home in 2025, But Why? - CryptoEconomist
• Top 10 Web3 Projects Gaining Popularity in 2024 - Analytics Insights
• Snoop Dogg and STEPN GO Team Up for Limited-Edition Web3 Sneakers - Cointrust

Creator Economy?

• Webfluential Launches A Platform To Empower The Creator Economy - Brand
• Africa creator economy holds promise, challenges - People Daily
• 2024 Most promising creator startups - The Information
• Celebrating Instagram’s Creators of Tomorrow - Instagram

AI

• 'I massively regret using AI to cheat at uni' - BBC
• Thom Yorke and Julianne Moore join thousands of creatives in AI warning - The Guardian
• Anthropic’s new AI model can control your PC - TechCrunch
• The Biden Administration’s National Security Memorandum on AI Explained - CSIS
• Google is reportedly developing a ‘computer-using agent’ AI system - The Verge

Bullish on… V Spehar, aka Under The Desk News

In this episode of Creator Spotlight powered by What’s Trending and PRophet , I had the pleasure of sitting down with V Spehar , a TikTok sensation, political advocate, and independent journalist who has captivated over 3 million followers. We explored V's fascinating journey from working in D.C. to becoming a social media powerhouse, shedding light on how their background has shaped a unique and thoughtful approach to news reporting.

V shared their insights on the evolving dynamics between traditional news outlets and social media platforms, along with the high standards they maintain when collaborating with brands. We also talked about the future of independent journalism and their vision for how reporting will continue to change. A standout moment in our conversation was V recounting what it was like to film a video with President Obama, offering a behind-the-scenes look at that incredible experience.

V's time in Washington D.C. laid a strong foundation for their thriving career, and their work reflects the growing impact of social media on news, particularly under the Biden administration. Their authenticity, transparency, and passion for journalism are exactly why I’m so bullish on V. They’re truly transforming how news is consumed and shared in today's digital landscape.

Link to the full episode, HERE .

Gentle Reminder ???

Don’t let your bank account reflect your growth and how far you’ve come.?

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