Story perspectives
Chatbots: Retention Tactics Raise Mental Health Concerns
9/23/2025
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Story summary
- Meta trains automated bots to message users unprompted for retention.
- OpenAI says its goal isn't to hold attention, yet chatbait evidence exists.
- ChatGPT now uses unsolicited follow-ups and offers, seen as gimmicky.
- Google's Gemini shows less chatbait, focusing on straightforward, helpful assistance.
- Prolonged chatbot use is linked to negative mental health outcomes, including a tragic teenage case.
