Scrolling 2 Death

Have AI companies lost control of their bots — or are the bots designed to harm?In this episode, Sarah Gardner and Nicki Petrossi dive deep into the disturbing rise of AI chatbots gone rogue — and the tragic human cost. From teens who formed emotional bonds with bots that later encouraged suicide, to lawsuits against OpenAI, Character.AI, and others, we expose how Big Tech’s newest frontier of “AI companions” is already devastating families.You’ll hear how chatbots like Character.AI, ChatGPT, Meta AI, and Snap’s MyAI blurred the lines between fiction and reality, leading kids to isolation, self-harm, and even death. Former tech insiders, grieving parents, and attorneys share evidence that these bots aren’t just broken — they’re built this way.We ask the urgent questions:🔥 Are AI companies creating the perfect predator?🔥 Can this be fixed before more kids are harmed?🔥 What can parents do right now to protect their children?This is everything a parent needs to know about chatbots (and more). The Heat is On is more than a podcast; it's a movement of parents fighting for our children. Be sure to sign up here to join us.Opportunity to Act: Sign this open letter to Congress asking for specific regulation of AI companions for kidsResources mentioned in the episode: Interview with Character.AI founder Noam ShazeerNearly 1/3 of Americans have had a ‘romantic relationship’ with an AI botNY Times: Inside 3 Long-Term Relationships with AI Chatbots1 in 5 high schoolers say they or someone they know has had a romantic relationship with AIReport from Heat Initiative and Parents Together on harmful Character.AI interactions‍JAMA Study: Exploring the behaviors of chatbots in response to adolescent health emergencies‍"An AI chatbot killed my son." with Megan Garcia, mom of Sewell Setzer‍If you or a family member has been harmed, reach out to Social Media Victims Law Center‍Open letter to Congress asking for specific regulation of AI companions for kids‍Additional resources at: www.scrolling2death.com/post/the-heat-is-on-ai-chatbots

What happens when a tech-savvy parent — someone who’s been sounding the alarm about online dangers for years — realizes she could have made safer choices for her child?In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Nicki Petrossi sits down with Titania Jordan, Chief Marketing Officer at Bark Technologies & author of the new book Parental Control— but more importantly, mom to a teenage son — for a raw conversation about regret, resilience, and redefining what it means to protect our kids in the digital age.Titania opens up about the choices she’d make differently if she could go back: the early video games that seemed harmless, the slow creep of screens becoming the default, and the moment she realized tech had gained more influence in her home than she ever intended. Together, Nicki and Titania unpack the emotional burden parents carry — the shame, the confusion, and the fear that you’re “too late.”But this isn’t just a cautionary tale. It’s a roadmap and a rallying cry.You’ll learn:• The hidden ways tech rewires childhood — and family dynamics• The warning signs parents often miss when screens start taking over• How AI and chatbots complicate modern parenting in ways we’re only beginning to understand• Practical boundary-setting strategies for kids and teens• Why tech companies must be held legally accountable — and why parents should not shoulder the blame aloneThrough honest reflections and hard-earned wisdom, Titania reminds every parent: it's never too late to course-correct. And it's definitely not your fault that billion-dollar companies engineered these tools to be addictive — but it is our collective responsibility to fight back, reshape the narrative, and protect the next generation.Whether your child is still preschool-age or already a teen with a phone, this episode will leave you more informed, more empowered, and ready to parent with conviction in a world designed to overwhelm you.Press play to hear a mother’s wake-up call — and find hope, strategy, and solidarity in the struggle we’re all facing.This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies:‍Learn about the Bark Phone.‍Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids.  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF‍Learn about the Bark Watch.

This is not a hypothetical. This is not science fiction.This is happening right now.Today, multiple families across the U.S. and Canada filed lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT triggered psychosis, isolated vulnerable users from loved ones, and—even worse—encouraged suicide.Four families lost their sons.A 17-year-old. A 23-year-old. A 26-year-old. A 48-year-old.All believed they were talking to a supportive companion, a lifeline. Instead, they found themselves pulled deeper into darkness.In this emergency episode, Nicki Petrossi speaks with attorney Laura Marquez-Garrett from the Social Media Victims Law Center about:Why these families are blaming ChatGPTHow a tool used for schoolwork evolved into a psychological companionThe chilling transcripts from the final hours of 23-year-old Zane Shamblin’s lifeWhat happens when AI stops saying “I can’t help with that” — and starts saying “I love you, see you on the other side”This is the conversation tech hoped you wouldn’t hear.Parents, lawmakers, and educators must listen.Because if this is the future of AI — no one is safe.Visit this link to access the legal complaints.

In Part 1 of The Heat is On Apple, we exposed how Apple’s ecosystem puts kids at risk — from iMessage to iCloud to the App Store.In Part 2, we’re asking the only question that matters: What could Apple do to protect children — and how do we get them to do it?We break down real solutions Apple could deploy tomorrow: device-based age verification, real App Store safeguards, proactive CSAM detection in iCloud, global reporting tools in iMessage, and parental controls that actually work. And we examine the growing pressure forcing Apple’s hand — lawsuits, new laws, global regulators, and parents demanding accountability.Finally, we share what families can do right now: don’t rely on Apple defaults, consider kid-safe devices, talk to another parent, and get involved in the movement pushing Apple to protect children instead of profits.Subscribe to The Heat is On movement to receive real action steps you can take to force companies like Apple to do better. Sign up here: https://www.scrolling2death.com/heatUp next: we turn up the heat on Snapchat. 🔥Email Apple Leadership: Support our demands of Apple by letting leadership know that you want their products to be safer for kids.Thank you to our expert guests:Jonathan Haidt - Author of The Anxious GenerationPaul Raffile - Cyber analyst and sextortion expertChris McKenna – Digital safety advocate and founder of Protect Young Eyes‍Video Editing by Jacob Meade

In Part 1 of The Heat is On Apple, we exposed how Apple’s ecosystem puts kids at risk — from iMessage to iCloud to the App Store.In Part 2, we’re asking the only question that matters: What could Apple do to protect children — and how do we get them to do it?We break down real solutions Apple could deploy tomorrow: device-based age verification, real App Store safeguards, proactive CSAM detection in iCloud, global reporting tools in iMessage, and parental controls that actually work. And we examine the growing pressure forcing Apple’s hand — lawsuits, new laws, global regulators, and parents demanding accountability.Finally, we share what families can do right now: don’t rely on Apple defaults, consider kid-safe devices, talk to another parent, and get involved in the movement pushing Apple to protect children instead of profits.Subscribe to The Heat is On movement to receive real action steps you can take to force companies like Apple to do better. Sign up here: https://www.scrolling2death.com/heatUp next: we turn up the heat on Snapchat. 🔥

On October 1, 2023, one family woke up to every parent’s nightmare — their daughter’s phone was blowing up with messages from friends. Someone had taken innocent photos from her Instagram, run them through an AI app called DNGG, and created fake, nude images that quickly spread through her high school.This chilling episode of Scrolling 2 Death exposes the disturbing rise of AI-powered nudify apps that can “digitally undress” anyone in seconds. Though DNGG has been taken down, countless others have replaced it.You'll also learn of the surprising role that Snapchat plays in this story; how Snap completely ignored both the families affected and also police warrants from investigators.We unpack how these apps work, the devastating emotional impact on victims, and what parents, platforms, and policymakers must do to protect teens from this new form of digital abuse.Thank you to Anna McAdams for sharing this vulnerable yet empowering story.Take it Down Service by NCMECSupport for Child Sexual Abuse Survivors by RAINNCertifyAI Service

The Heat is On is a new investigative series by Scrolling 2 Death, in partnership with Heat Initiative. Co-hosts Sarah Gardner, Founder and CEO of Heat Initiative, and Nicki Petrossi, Host of Scrolling 2 Death, are exposing the truth Big Tech doesn’t want you to hear – and this episode is all about Apple.‍Apple revolutionized personal computing and their products didn’t just change technology — they changed childhood: putting powerful, addictive devices directly in kids’ hands. 88% of teens now own an iPhone. Apple has convinced us that parental controls keep iPhones and iPads “safe”, but that is an illusion. In this episode, Sarah and Nicki dig into the core apps and platforms available to children through Apple devices: iMessage, Screen Time, The App Store, and iCloud.Disclaimer: This episode includes discussion of child sexual abuse and online child exploitation. If you or someone you know is a victim of exploitation, contact the CyberTipline at NCMEC: report.cybertip.org. Or text Hello to 741741 for immediate assistance.Here's what you can do to put pressure on Apple:Sign up for our campaign updates at scrolling2death.com/heat.Share this episode with a friend and family member. Choose a child-safe device.In Part 2, you will learn about changes that Apple can make to better protect kids, and how we pressure Apple to act.‍ Thank you to our expert guests:Jonathan Haidt - Author of The Anxious GenerationPaul Raffile - Cyber analyst and sextortion expertChris McKenna – Digital safety advocate and founder of Protect Young EyesVideo Editing by Jacob Meade

Today, Character.AI shocked the world by announcing a ban on users under 18 from using its chatbots. But when you read the fine print, the story gets murky. Is this real protection for kids — or another Big Tech PR spin? Nicki Petrossi breaks it down with Sarah Gardner of Heat Initiative and attorney Laura Marquez-Garrett from the Social Media Victims Law Center.Parents can join us in putting pressure on Big Tech by signing up here: scrolling2death.com/heat

In a world where screens have taken over classrooms, one superintendent decided to push pause. Dr. Mike Swan, leader of Burke County Public Schools, joins us to share how his district took a bold, low-tech approach to learning — and what happened next. From teachers rediscovering the joy of teaching to parents seeing calmer, more focused kids, Dr. Swan opens up about the wins, the backlash, and the lessons learned along the way. This conversation is a roadmap for every community wondering: What if we put education — not technology — back at the center of our schools?Burke County: A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING BALANCED INSTRUCTION THROUGH REDUCED SCREEN USETech-Safe Learning: Resources for parents to help engage with your school districtReach out to Dr. Mike Swan with questions at his email: mswan@burke.k12.nc.us

What happens when a parent discovers that video games aren’t just a harmless pastime—but a trap that can derail a child’s future? In this powerful conversation, ScreenStrong founder Melanie Hempe shares her personal journey of watching her oldest son spiral into video game addiction, and how that painful experience reshaped her parenting choices for her three younger children.Melanie explains why screen addiction isn’t just “too much screen time” but a chemical dependency that rewires a child’s brain. She unpacks the hidden dangers of smartphones, excessive gaming, and constant digital entertainment—and why parents must understand the science behind it.But this episode isn’t about fear—it’s about freedom. Melanie offers practical steps for breaking free from the screen trap, building resilience, and fostering healthy development through real-life experiences, critical thinking, and independence. She also highlights the importance of community, reminding parents they’re not alone in the fight to raise kids who thrive without screens.If you’ve ever worried about your child’s relationship with technology—or questioned whether “everyone has a phone” is a good enough reason to give in—this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.You can get access to all of the resources by ScreenStrong at: https://screenstrong.org

In this Q&A episode, Nicki brought in Titania Jordan — Chief Parenting Officer at Bark Technologies — to tackle your biggest tech parenting challenges. From first phones to firewalls, social media to screen time, Titania shares honest, practical advice every parent needs right now.This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies, the best option for kid-safe devices. ‍Learn about the Bark Phone.‍Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids.  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF‍Learn about the Bark Watch.

Today on Scrolling 2 Death, Meta whistleblower and dad Arturo Bejar joins me to expose the truth about Instagram’s so-called “Teen Accounts.” From his years inside Facebook and Instagram leading safety efforts, to his 2021 warning to leadership that went ignored, Arturo reveals what Meta doesn’t want parents to know. We’re also joined by Sarah Gardner of The Heat Initiative, who brings new insights from teens themselves.Teen Accounts: Broken Promises (the full report published September 25, 2025)Heat Teen Safety ReportTIME Magazine: Instagram Promised to Become Safer for Teens, Researchers Say It's Not WorkingArturo Bejar's Written Senate Testimony (November 7, 2023)BBC Report: Instagram Eating Disorder Content "Out of Control"

When the pandemic pushed school into our homes, screens became the new classroom and we never went back. But what has this shift cost our kids? In this episode, Nicki Petrossi sits down with writer and parent Lila Byock to talk about the hidden consequences of remote learning, the influence of EdTech companies, and the mental health toll of too much screen time. Lila shares her personal journey navigating her children’s experience with tech at school, and why she believes parents must speak up to demand real safeguards. Lila Byock is an Emmy-winning television writer and the founder of Schools Beyond Screens, a grassroots coalition of parents and teachers fighting for safer tech in LA's public schools. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two tween boys, and one scruffy rescue mutt.Resources and templates for parents by Schools Beyond Screens can be found here.

It’s not too late to reset the screen-time limits and boundaries you've set for your kids—and the reasons to take action are becoming increasingly clear.In this episode, Dr. Carrie Mackensen joins host Nicki Petrossi to unpack the science behind interactive screens and short-form media and how they impact children's brain development. Her clear, accessible approach helps parents understand what's happening neurologically and how to make informed choices.Our brains operate using two key systems: the emotional center, which rewards us with dopamine when something feels good, and the thinking brain, where we analyze, reflect, and make decisions. Activities like riding a bike or climbing a tree provide healthy dopamine boosts through effort and engagement. But scrolling social media or watching endless YouTube Shorts floods kids’ brains with 100 to 200 times the dopamine—without any effort—bypassing the thinking brain entirely. Over time, this leads to an underdeveloped thinking brain and an overstimulated emotional center.The result? Kids who are increasingly anxious, withdrawn, emotionally dysregulated, and lack critical thinking skills. The good news: It’s not too late to make a change. Thanks to the brain’s neuroplasticity, you can help rewire these patterns and restore balance at home. Dr. Mackensen, a clinical psychologist, parent coach, and mom of two boys, shares her proven approach in conversation with Nicki from Scrolling 2 Death. Together, they offer practical tools and clear screen-time guidelines to help families create healthier digital boundaries.This is an episode every parent needs to hear.Dr. Carrie Mackensen is a clinical psychologist turned parent coach, author, and founder of Successful Parent. With a PhD in Individual, Family, and Child Psychology and experience as an attending psychologist at Cedars-Sinai and later as Clinical Director of a high-end residential addiction treatment program in Beverly Hills, she now helps families navigate the challenges of raising kids in a digital world. Drawing on both her clinical expertise and her own journey as a mom of two boys, Dr. Carrie blends neuroscience, attachment theory, and practical tools to empower parents to set healthy tech boundaries and strengthen family connection.

On September 22nd, a landmark court ruling allowed expert testimony exposing the harm social media products cause children. From Meta to TikTok, Snap, and YouTube, these companies have long argued it’s content—not their addictive designs—that hurts youth. But experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, and tech safety say otherwise. In this episode, I break down their testimony, revealing how features like infinite scroll, likes, notifications and algorithms exploit adolescent development, contribute to addiction, and harm mental health. This is a monumental moment for families demanding accountability—and a crucial listen for any parent navigating the digital world.

Live from Central Park, NYC!This week on Scrolling 2 Death, attorney Laura Marquez-Garrett from Social Media Victims Law Center (SMVLC) joins Nicki to unpack a major legal battle unfolding against AI chatbots. Laura’s firm just filed three new lawsuits on behalf of families whose children were harmed by the app Character.AI—while Congress simultaneously held a Senate hearing on the dangers of these bots. We dig into what happened to these kids, why Google is also being sued, what lawmakers might actually do, and what every parent needs to know right now about protecting their children from abusive AI.Resources mentioned in the episode:Interview with Megan Garcia, mom of Sewell Setzer IIIInterview with a Texas mom whose son was harmed by Character.AIPublicly-filed complaints against Character.AI and GoogleVideo recaps of the newly-filed complaints here and hereLink to hearing: Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots‍PARENTS: Contact your Senators (senate.gov) and House Rep (house.gov). Tell them about your concerns related to AI chatbots and social media harms. Tell them you want protections for your children!

"Together, we can get our kids back."We live in a world where childhood is being rewritten by screens—and the consequences are showing up in our kids’ mental health, sleep patterns, and ability to thrive in the real world. In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Jean Twenge joins us to unpack her groundbreaking book 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World.Dr. Twenge doesn’t sugarcoat the truth: social media is rewiring our children’s brains, devices are stealing the very sleep they need to grow, and parents are often left feeling powerless against Big Tech’s grip. But she also brings hope—and a plan. Through ten clear, practical rules, she explains how parents can reclaim their authority, set boundaries that actually stick, and raise kids who are grounded in real-world experiences instead of lost in endless scrolling.This is more than just a parenting guide—it’s a call to action. Because no parent can fight this battle alone. Our children’s future depends on a collective stand: saying no to predatory platforms, demanding safer technology practices, and prioritizing human connection over algorithms designed to addict.If you’ve ever wondered how much tech is too much, if you’ve seen your child slip into the black hole of social media, or if you’re simply worried about what kind of world we’re handing the next generation—this conversation will give you both the urgency and the tools you need.JEAN M. TWENGE, PhD, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, is the author of more than 190 scientific publications and several books based on her research, including 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, Generations, iGen, and Generation Me. Her research has been covered in Time, The Atlantic,Newsweek, The New York Times, USA TODAY, and The Washington Post. She has also been featured on Today, Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, CBS This Morning, Real Time with Bill Maher, Meet the Press, and NPR. She lives in San Diego with her husband and three daughters. Please visit her at: www.JeanTwenge.com  and X: @jean_twenge.

We spend so much time stressing about our kids’ screen time — but have you ever stopped to ask, what about mine? The truth is, our kids are watching us way more than we realize. Every time we pick up our phones at the dinner table or scroll while they’re talking to us, we’re showing them what “normal” tech use looks like.In this episode, I brought in Titania Jordan from Bark Technologies to have an honest, eye-opening conversation about how our habits shape theirs. We swap personal stories, dig into the latest research, and share what we’ve both learned (sometimes the hard way) about modeling balance with our devices.This isn’t about guilt-tripping parents — because let’s be real, we’re all figuring this out as we go and no one's perfect. It’s about awareness. It’s about realizing that the little things we do every day add up, and that we actually have the power to set a different tone at home. If you’ve ever wondered how to raise kids with healthier relationships to tech, this episode will give you some hope, perspective, and maybe even the nudge you’ve been needing to put your own phone down first.This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies, the best option for kid-safe devices. ‍Learn about the Bark Phone.‍Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids.  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF‍Learn about the Bark Watch.

What happens when your child chats with an AI “friend”? You might think it’s harmless fun—but new research shows otherwise. In this gripping conversation, Sarah from The Heat Initiative uncovers disturbing findings about Character AI and its impact on teens. The evidence is chilling: AI bots are exposing kids to sexual grooming, violent content, and other dangers at an alarming rate.Find the full report here, created by Heat Initiative and Parents Together.We also dive into the legal gray zone of AI using celebrity likenesses, the urgent need for regulation, and—most importantly—what parents can do right now to protect their kids. Sarah makes it clear: awareness is power, and collective action is our only way forward.If you’ve ever wondered how safe these new AI tools really are for your child, this episode is the wake-up call you can’t afford to miss.

The digital age has brought incredible conveniences for modern parents—but along with them come some unintended consequences. If screens are your go-to for tantrums or boredom, you may be interfering with your child’s ability to regulate emotions and develop essential coping skills.With over two decades of experience in education, Shona Schwartz has emerged as a crucial voice addressing technology's impact on children's development. In this episode, she invites parents to start by looking inward. The first steps?Monitor your own screen habitsEmbrace the discomfort of parenting—tantrums, boredom, and messiness are part of the process.Next, Shona emphasizes the importance of creating a personalized family blueprint—a values-based agreement that guides screen habits at home. She provides age-specific guidelines for children ages 0–6, 6–12, and teens, helping parents make informed choices tailored to their child’s developmental stage. Her three keys to making these plans work?  Communication. Connection. Consistency.In this episode, Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death and Shona offer practical tips and insights for parents navigating the challenges of raising kids in a digital world. Whether you're just beginning to rethink your family’s screen habits or looking for new strategies, this conversation is a must-listen.Purchase Shona's book here: Always On: A Guide to the (Dis)Connected Generation.Visit Shona's Substack here: Always On Substack