California bill targets AI safety as locals share concerns
Adrik Vargas
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Artificial intelligence (AI) has become part of daily life for many, but concerns are growing after a California teen’s death was linked to an AI chatbot.
Lawmakers in California are pushing a bill that would require chatbots to flag warning signs such as suicidal thoughts and connect users with real help.
The legislation aims to add safety measures as more people navigate how AI fits into their lives.
In Yuma, students and families are sharing how they use AI and what concerns them. Some local students say AI has helped them tackle stress and stay motivated.
Lia Rios, an education major at Arizona Western College, said, “It really can help with mental health, when you’re, like, feeling like down or unmotivated or anything. You can always go towards AI, it’s really helpful, actually, because you can always ask for, like, a tip or ask it what would you do?”
While lawmakers debate new rules, many here say the focus should be on using AI responsibly and taking advantage of the good while staying aware of the risks. Still, some grandparents are skeptical.
Dora Echevarría said, “I think it keeps them from socializing in real life, it makes them isolate and I don’t like that, it can be damaging.”
AI can also be a helpful tool for students learning how to teach or explain things to children.
One education major shared, “For children, you can ask AI to give them examples when you don’t know what to do. I’m an education major and whenever I don’t know how to say something towards little kids, I say, ‘Hey AI, how can I explain this if I were explaining it to a small kid?’ It’s really helpful, actually.”
The California bill could add new safety measures, but locals here are already finding ways to use AI carefully and protect their mental health.
Across the community, people are learning how to use AI responsibly while keeping an eye on the risks.