Prince Harry warned Wednesday at the Clinton Global Initiative that artificial intelligence chatbots designed to provide companionship are even more dangerous to young people than social media. The Duke of Sussex stated that "The technology is more persuasive, more intimate, and more powerful" and that "AI is learning how to enter our relationships. It doesn’t just want your attention, it wants your attachment."
In 2024, Harry had previously raised alarms at CGI about the impact of social media, describing it as a contributor to an "epidemic" of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among youth. He and his wife, Meghan, announced the founding of The Parents Network through their Archewell Foundation, which has made progress but faces increased challenges due to technological advancements.
"There are major signals that families, young people, experts and advocates have finally shaken institutions awake to the reality that this technology can cause harm," Harry said. "But bans, settlements and payouts are incomplete remedies."
His remarks come shortly after Meta agreed to a settlement of up to $18 billion and committed to implementing stronger child-safety measures on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. This settlement concluded a trial addressing claims of teen social media addiction and resolved lawsuits filed by nearly every state.
The agreement resolved a pivotal case that sought to hold Meta accountable for its platforms' role in negatively impacting children's mental health, particularly focusing on features designed to capture and retain young users' attention.
Also speaking at the conference, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed the potential dangers of AI, suggesting that President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping should discuss risk mitigation through international agreements. Their meeting is set to occur this week as the economic and technological competition between the U.S. and China escalates, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence.
Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn co-founder, expressed support for a proposed