Propelled by the viral artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT, the My AI avatar engages in conversations and interacts with users like a friend. However, Snapchat has introduced an ethical framework to govern the feature, which can only be removed from the chat feed by paying a monthly fee of $3.99 for Snapchat+.
Chris Royse, the Dean of Business & Information Technology at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, emphasizes that the development of these technologies outpaces the ethical philosophy surrounding them. While ethical guardrails have been implemented, it is crucial for parents to establish guidelines for young teenagers using the app. Royse emphasizes the importance of having conversations with young users to remind them that the AI avatar is not a human being, lacks contextual understanding, and may unintentionally exhibit implicit biases or respond in ways that could hurt feelings.
Moreover, Royse advises caution in engaging with AI, as it may have a good memory despite the ephemeral nature of Snapchat chats. He warns that while the AI may lack malicious intent, it can potentially use information in unintended negative ways.
Whether one loves or dislikes the new feature, Royse acknowledges that integrations of artificial intelligence, such as this one, are continually evolving. The potential of AI is vast, but society must adapt and learn to coexist with these advancements.
Snapchatters have access to My AI, a chatbot capable of answering trivia questions, offering gift suggestions, planning trips, and providing dinner ideas. However, due to the evolving nature of My AI, its responses may include biased, incorrect, harmful, or misleading content. Users are encouraged to independently verify information provided by My AI and should avoid sharing confidential or sensitive information.
Snapchatters can provide feedback to the team regarding their experience with My AI. The interactions with My AI are stored until deleted, and users can clear their data within the app settings. However, certain types of content generation, such as political, sexual, harassing, or deceptive content, as well as spam or content promoting violence or self-harm, should not be created using My AI.
The data shared with My AI, including location information if provided, is utilized to offer relevant responses and recommendations. Snap may also leverage this data to enhance its products, personalize user experiences, and deliver targeted advertisements.
How long is the data from my interactions stored?
All the content shared with My AI is stored until you choose to delete it.
How can I delete my data?
You have the option to delete content sent to My AI within 24 hours through your Chat. Additionally, you can delete past content shared with My AI by following these steps:
- Tap on your Profile icon and select the ⚙️ (Settings) option.
- Scroll down to “Privacy Controls.”
- Tap on ‘Clear Data.’
- Choose ‘Clear My AI Data’ and confirm the action.
Alternatively:
- Tap on your Profile icon and select the ⚙️ (Settings) option.
- Scroll down to “Account Actions.”
- Tap on ‘Clear My AI Data’ and confirm the action.
What should I not use My AI for?
Please refrain from using My AI to generate content that is political, sexual, harassing, deceptive, spam, malware, or that promotes violence, self-harm, human trafficking, or violates the Community Guidelines. Additionally, avoid sharing confidential or sensitive information with My AI.
What data is shared with My AI and how is it used?
Content shared with My AI, including your location if you have shared it with Snapchat, is utilized by My AI to provide relevant and helpful responses to your requests, such as nearby place recommendations. Your data may also be used by Snap to enhance their products and personalize your experience, including advertisements.
