Tech policy often focuses on preventing extreme harms like suicide encouragement or fentanyl sales. Companies meet these low bars while still causing everyday damage. Young people can become dependent on AI companions or addictive social feeds. A narrow safety focus lets firms avoid addressing broader cultural erosion. Google backed state bills mandating basic AI chatbot protections with broad exemptions. These laws passed while stronger measures to prevent emotional dependence on AI failed. Social media now takes over two hours of daily life globally. Its algorithms have been linked to violence in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Ethiopia. AI extends this influence into writing, thinking, and relationships. A third of teens now discuss serious matters with AI companions instead of people. MIT research found weaker brain connectivity in students using ChatGPT for essays. Authors argue AI should improve learning and relationships, not just avoid disasters. They call for bans on companions that pretend consciousness or love.

• 2+ hours daily social media use
• 1/3 of teens use AI companions for serious talks
• 8 states passed AI companion laws in 2026