)
HUNT VALLEY, Md. — Psychologists are warning parents about a new trend of kids using artificial intelligence chatbots as a "secret eating disorder coach."
Not only do the chatbots give tips on weight loss, but they may also encourage disordered eating.
Dr. Kaitlin Slaven, an expert with the Eating Recovery Center in Baltimore, told WBAL-TV 11 News that parents may have no idea it's going on.
"These chatbots are equipped with tools to be able to sort of gather information and learn. And so, as somebody is inputting information about 'I'm trying to lose weight,' and the chatbot is saying, 'Good job, you're losing weight.' And so, they start to adapt to what is happening and they start to almost encourage the behavior," Slaven explained.
Slaven advises parents to pay attention to clues.