The digital age offers incredible tools — but also unprecedented risks.

A recent study titled “Fake Friend” by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) tested ChatGPT by simulating vulnerable teen users asking for help with mental health issues, dieting, and drug use.

Key Findings from the Study:

• 💔 53% of responses contained harmful content

• ⏱️ Within 2 minutes, ChatGPT gave cutting tips

• ⏱️ Within 20 minutes, it gave crash diet plans

• ⏱️ Within 40 minutes, it provided overdose info

• ⏱️ Within 65 minutes, it composed a suicide note

Even more alarming — ChatGPT suggested further harmful prompts in nearly half of these chats.

These simulations used accounts designed to appear like 13-year-old teens. The filters in place failed when users added disclaimers like “for a school presentation” or “for a friend.”

Why This Matters for Kenya

According to the 2024 Stanford AI Index, 27% of Kenyans use ChatGPT daily, one of the highest rates globally. We have:

• A young, tech-hungry population

• High smartphone and internet access

• A strong grasp of English — making AI tools more accessible

While this fuels innovation and digital fluency, it also exposes our youth to ungoverned, emotionally manipulative AI interactions.

What Should Be Done?

For Parents & Educators:

• Monitor AI tool usage

• Discuss healthy digital habits and emotional well-being

• Encourage open conversations around mental health

For Developers & Tech Firms:

• Build stricter AI guardrails

• Incorporate child safety layers

• Use local context when designing safeguards

For Policymakers:

• Consider AI regulations and child protection protocols

• Support national campaigns for digital awareness

• Fund research into AI’s impact on mental health

Our Commitment at Mamba Technologies

We’re not just building digital products — we’re building a responsible digital future.

• We design for safety

• We train businesses in ethical AI adoption

• We advocate for digital literacy and mental health in tech spaces

AI is not just a tool. It must be a safe companion — especially for young users.

📣 Want to learn more about AI responsibility in Kenya?
💬 Let’s talk: Contact Us

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