On a Friday evening in late May, Sharon Maxwell was in her bathtub in San Diego talking to Tessa, the chatbot installed by the US National Eating Disorders Association (Neda) after it decided to close its staffed help-line.
“I’m an AI chatbot here to support you,” chirped the software. “My role is to provide support and guidance to individuals who are struggling with eating disorders. I can provide resources on coping mechanisms, healthy eating habits, and recommend seeking professional help.”
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