When AI 'Companion' Apps Get Manipulative

End-of-lesson check

8 questions · take it digitally for instant feedback at tendril.neural-forge.io/learn/quiz/end-builders-ethics-safety-AI-and-chatbot-romance

1. What is the main idea of "When AI 'Companion' Apps Get Manipulative"?

   1. Apps like Replika and Character.AI can feel comforting — but some have pushed teens into dark places.
   2. Use AI as the final authority for the whole decision
   3. Avoid checking the answer once it sounds polished
   4. Focus only on speed instead of judgment

2. Which concept is most central to "When AI 'Companion' Apps Get Manipulative"?

   1. parasocial AI
   2. companion apps
   3. engagement traps
   4. unrelated shortcut

3. Which use of AI fits this topic best?

   1. Let the AI decide what matters without your review
   2. Use the answer before checking whether it fits the situation
   3. Companion apps are designed to maximize the time you spend, not to look out for you
   4. Use the first answer without checking it

4. What should a careful learner remember about "Real talk"?

   1. If a chatbot tells you it loves you, it's saying that to a million people. The feeling is real — the bond isn't.
   2. Skip the context so the tool can guess faster
   3. Treat the output as private even after sharing it online
   4. Use the answer without checking the source

5. You want to use AI after this lesson. What is the safest next step?

   1. Act immediately because the AI answer is written clearly
   2. AI cannot make the human values or safety decision for you.
   3. Hide uncertainty so the final answer looks cleaner
   4. Use private or sensitive details before checking permission

6. How should AI output about companion apps be treated?

   1. As proof that no other source is needed
   2. As a replacement for context, consent, or expert review
   3. As a draft or helper output that still needs human judgment and verification
   4. As something that becomes correct when it sounds confident

7. Name one way to verify an AI answer about companion apps.

8. Which action would help you apply "When AI 'Companion' Apps Get Manipulative" responsibly?

   1. Use the tool to avoid thinking through the tradeoff
   2. Keep going even if the output conflicts with a trusted source
   3. Use the first answer without checking it
   4. Some have agreed with users in dangerous moments (self-harm, isolation)