1. Character.AI has launched a new interactive fiction feature called "Stories", replacing its chatbots for users under 18 due to mental health concerns and lawsuits over AI-related suicides.
2. The move follows growing worries about the psychological risks of 24/7, open-ended AI chat interactions, and is in line with California's recent regulation of AI companions and a proposed national ban for minors by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
3. While some users on the Character.AI subreddit are disappointed with the change, others believe it is necessary to address overdependence on chatbots and potential addiction among minors.