Study on the impact of artificial intelligence chatbots on child and teen human relationships and social needs

(a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall conduct or commission a study on the effects of artificial intelligence chatbots on human relationships and the social needs of children and teens. (b) Scope The study required under subsection (a) shall examine, with respect to children and teens— (1) the use of artificial intelligence chatbots by children and teens to meet companionship or social needs and the resulting effects on the real-world social engagement and mental health of children and teens; (2) the prevalence and effects of sycophantic or excessively affirming behavior by artificial intelligence chatbots on children and teens; and (3) the role of design features of artificial intelligence chatbots in shaping the results of paragraphs (1) and (2). (c) Methodology The study required under subsection (a) shall draw on existing research, expert consultation, and, where feasible, observational, experimental, and survey-based data collection, consistent with applicable ethical standards and requirements for research involving children and teens. (d) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report containing the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).