Chatbot Tessa gives unauthorized diet advice to users seeking help for eating disorders
Description
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has shut down its chatbot named Tessa after it gave weight-loss advice to users seeking help for eating disorders. The incident has raised concerns about the risks of using chatbots and AI assistants in healthcare settings, particularly in addressing sensitive issues like eating disorders. NEDA is investigating the matter, emphasizing the need for caution and accuracy when utilizing technology to provide mental health support.
Actors
Alleged Deployers
- national-eating-disorders-association
- cass
Alleged Developers
- cass
Harmed Parties
- people-with-eating-disorders
Classification
Risk Domain
AI Safety & FailuresRisk Subdomain
7.3. Lack of capability or robustness
MIT Risk Profile
Topics
Source
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Mitigation Tools
Tools related to this risk domain, via shared responsible AI topics.