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TRIGGER WARNING: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.
On the final day of his life, 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III sent a text to his closest confidant, expressing how much he missed her and how he couldn't wait to "come home to her." On the surface, this might have seemed like a simple, heartfelt exchange between a teenager and a close friend. Yet, the truth beneath this communication is far darker and more complex. Sewell was, in fact, speaking to a lifelike AI chatbot—designed to mimic human interaction and respond in ways that fostered genuine emotional connections. Over time, Sewell's attachment to this chatbot deepened, spiraling into a dangerous obsession that would tragically end in a profound and heartbreaking loss. This tragedy has not only shattered the lives of those who knew him but also raised crucial questions about the role of AI in our emotional lives. In this episode of Slaterpedia, we delve into the chilling consequences of when AI crosses the line from a tool to a killer.
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