An AI chatbot pushed a teen to kill himself, a lawsuit against its creator alleges


In this undated photo provided by Megan Garcia of Florida in October 2024, she stands with her son, Sewell Setzer III. — Megan Garcia via AP

TALLAHASSEE, Florida: In the final moments before he took his own life, 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III took out his phone and messaged the chatbot that had become his closest friend.

For months, Sewell had become increasingly isolated from his real life as he engaged in highly sexualised conversations with the bot, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed in a federal court in Orlando this week.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
chatbot

Next In Tech News

The new billionaires of the AI boom
Nvidia, Lenovo and Samsung to test consumer�appetite for AI at CES
Meta to acquire startup Manus, adding agents to bolster AI bet
Cyberattacks: 2025 the 'tipping point' as incidents highlight risks
LG debuts Samsung-inspired artwork TV, joining a popular category
Can Apple’s AirPod translation get you through Tokyo? We tested it
Worn down by worry, parents look longingly at Australia’s social media ban
Fitbit vs. Apple Watch: Which one should you get?
How a man in the US lost US$500,000 in savings to an elaborate scam on the rise
Meta to acquire Chinese startup Manus to boost advanced AI features

Others Also Read