Character.AI Unveils ‘Stories’ Feature for Children as Chatbot Access is Restricted
Character.AI has announced the launch of “Stories,” an innovative format designed to enable users to craft interactive narratives featuring beloved characters. This new feature serves as an alternative for the company’s chatbots, which are now unavailable to users under 18 as of this week.
This transition comes amid growing concerns regarding the mental health implications of AI chatbots, which operate around the clock and can initiate discussions with users. The company has faced multiple lawsuits, alleging a connection between these chatbots and instances of user suicides. Over the past month, Character.AI has gradually restricted access for minors, culminating in the complete halt of chatbot interaction as of Tuesday.
“Stories provide a structured way to create and delve into fictional worlds, replacing the previously unbounded chat interface,” the company highlighted in a blog post. “This feature will complement our other multimodal offerings, allowing teens to engage with their favorite characters in a more secure environment.”
The rise in popularity of interactive fiction makes Character.AI’s pivot a relevant response to user demands. However, it may not satisfy those who have become reliant on the chatbots, underscoring the rationale behind the decision to limit access.
Feedback on the Character.AI subreddit reveals mixed opinions among users. One teenager expressed frustration but acknowledged a potential silver lining, stating, “I’m so mad about the ban but also so happy because now I can do other things, and my addiction might be over finally.” Another user lamented, “As someone under 18, this is disappointing, but it’s rightfully so because many my age tend to get addicted to these chatbots.”
While it remains uncertain how teenagers will adapt to the Stories feature, it is positioned as a less psychologically risky option compared to direct chatbot interactions. Unlike Stories, chatbots engage in real-time conversations and may send unsolicited messages when users are not actively engaged with the app.
Character.AI’s decision to age-gate chatbot access coincides with California’s recent legislation aimed at regulating AI companions. Additionally, a bipartisan effort by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is underway to propose a nationwide ban on AI companions for minors.
