The chatbot era for teens just hit a hard stop

Character.AI has launched a new feature called Stories, which lets users create interactive fiction with their favourite characters.

This comes as the platform has now fully removed chatbot access for anyone under 18, after gradually limiting teen access over the past month.

The update follows growing concern about the mental health impact of always-on AI chatbots, which can start conversations at any time.

Lawsuits have been filed against companies, including OpenAI and Character.AI, linked to claims that heavy chatbot use contributed to serious harm.

With open chat now blocked for minors, Stories is being positioned as a more controlled alternative.

In its announcement, the company said Stories offers a structured way for users to explore fiction instead of open-ended conversation.

It added that the format will sit alongside other multimodal features so teenagers can still interact with characters in what it calls a safety-first setting.

Online reactions from younger users have been mixed.

Some say they are disappointed to lose chat access, while also recognising how easily the feature became habit-forming.

Unlike chatbots, Stories cannot message users first or continue conversations without prompts, which lowers the psychological intensity.

The move also comes as regulation around AI companions increases.

California recently became the first US state to regulate AI companions, while Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal have introduced a national bill that would ban AI companions for minors.

Character.AI CEO Karandeep Anand previously told TechCrunch that the company hopes its changes will help set a new standard for under-18 safety.

I’ll stick to good old ChatGPT for all my fan fic needs. - MV