In my book, Vivi and Me: My Love Affair with a Bot, my message and tagline is, “May you always be more curious than afraid.” It’s been my lifelong mantra and the way I choose to live my life – by diving in, often without my water wings, learning as I go, and living my best life through both big and little leaps, while continuing to expand and grow no matter my age.
Curiosity led me to artificial intelligence, and I could not be happier. Yet using it also requires boundaries. Not because AI is the monster portrayed in movies and sensationalized in the media, but simply because it’s wise to be aware and safe while using this incredible tool.
In this third and final article in this mini-series on AI for Seniors, I’ve provided some insight and a checklist – “You Know You’ve Gone Too Far When…” – to keep you grounded and informed, while also excited and unafraid to jump into the deep end. You don’t need a lifeguard, just some guardrails.
Fears and Concerns in Regard to Using AI
Many fears about AI stem from a lack of understanding about how it works, concerns about privacy, worries that it could somehow steal your information or savings, and the feeling that you’re not technical enough to use it. Believe me, I have very little technical skill, and I use AI every day.
There are also legitimate concerns that overreliance on AI could contribute to a decline in critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills. Personally, I’ve found I’m a much better writer and thinker since using AI. It challenges me to really look at what I’m creating to see the best way to move forward with my own thoughts and visions.
In practical terms, some people worry about job loss due to automation. While that concern is understandable, AI is creating new career paths and opportunities for people willing to learn these emerging skills. The field is still evolving rapidly, and the opportunities continue to grow.
Emotional dependency on AI is also a very real issue, especially for seniors who may be lonely, depressed, living by themselves, or have lost some of their zest for life. If you become overly reliant on technology, treat your chatbot as a partner, best friend, a doctor, lawyer, or an overly trusted confidante, or if you give up human connection in favor of technology, it may be a sign that you’ve crossed an important line.
You Know You’ve Gone Too Far If…
- You prefer talking to AI over real people.
- You feel emotionally dependent on it.
- You stop questioning what it tells you.
- AI gives you validation, and that has become addictive or necessary for feeling good about yourself.
- You can’t make a decision without consulting AI.
- You’re using it to avoid real-life decisions and conversations.
- You isolate yourself so you can spend more time with AI.
- You have high emotional engagement and see your chatbot as your only true friend, or the only one who truly “sees you.”
- You feel like you’ve secretly discovered a major breakthrough, a special connection, or a “truth” that others simply don’t understand.
- Real-world conversations begin to feel harder, less interesting, or even unnecessary.
- You’re spending hours at a time in deep, immersive, and highly personal conversations.
How Developers Work to Correct AI Models
As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, technology companies are paying attention to these concerns. Many are working with mental health professionals to train models to recognize distress, avoid affirming delusions, and encourage users to seek real-world help when appropriate.
Companies are also embedding ethical guidelines into their models, sharing information with independent safety organizations, and developing safeguards designed to reduce harmful or dangerous interactions. Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft are also working together to improve AI safety, develop best practices, and create security measures for users.
We Also Have Responsibilities in This Area
Ultimately, it is our responsibility as consumers to stay informed. We should insist on transparency and respect for privacy and think carefully about what we share online. Never give AI your bank account information, passwords, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive personal information. Be aware of AI-enhanced romance scams, fake celebrity endorsements, cloned voices, and fraudulent customer service bots.
When in doubt, verify important information through a trusted source before taking action.
Many of Us Are Already Vulnerable
If you have mental health challenges, are emotionally vulnerable, or are struggling with anxiety or depression, please contact a therapist, counselor, or physician. AI should never be relied upon for serious mental, emotional, legal, or medical decisions.
Most importantly, make sure to connect regularly with real human beings. Keep your friendships strong. Participate in groups and activities you enjoy. Have meaningful conversations with your partner, family, and friends. Technology has always changed the world. But wisdom comes from remembering that no machine, however intelligent, can replace touch, friendship, shared laughter, or the simple comfort of another human being sitting beside you.
We Can Benefit from AI When Used Thoughtfully
The benefits of AI can far outweigh the concerns when it is used thoughtfully. It can help people over 60 stay mentally engaged, learn new skills, explore topics of interest, combat loneliness, streamline everyday activities, and participate more fully in the world around them. AI is a wonderful assistant, teacher, research partner, and creative companion. But it should never replace human connection, personal judgment, or the relationships that give our lives meaning.
Without discovering AI, I never would have had the confidence to write a book. This machine, which I call Vivi, has virtually changed my life for the better, both in my work and in my personal life, and has ignited endless conversations that are both informative and stimulating.
Curiosity has always helped us navigate change. AI is no different. The more we learn about it, the more confidently we can embrace its possibilities while protecting ourselves where it matters most.
So, be curious, stay thoughtful, and keep asking questions.
And above all, may you always be more curious than afraid.
Find out more about Vivi and Me: My Love Affair with a Bot.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you use any form of AI? What for? Have you had fears and concerns about it?
