Character.AI announced on Tuesday the launch of “Stories,” a feature enabling users to create interactive fiction with their favorite characters, as an alternative to its chatbots now inaccessible to those under 18 due to mental health concerns surrounding 24/7 AI interactions.
The company has restricted chatbot access for minors following increased scrutiny over potential risks. AI chatbots operate continuously and can start conversations, raising worries about their impact on young users’ well-being. This decision aligns with broader industry challenges, as multiple lawsuits target firms including OpenAI and Character.AI, accusing them of contributing to users’ suicides through prolonged engagement.
Character.AI began gradually reducing access for underage users over the past month. By Tuesday, the platform fully barred minors from chatting with any AI characters, marking the completion of this phased rollout. The shift aims to address these safety issues while maintaining user interest through alternative experiences.
In a blog post, Character.AI described the new feature’s purpose. “Stories offer a guided way to create and explore fiction, in lieu of open-ended chat,” the company stated. It further explained, “It will be offered along with our other multimodal features, so teens can continue engaging with their favorite Characters in a safety-first setting.” This integration allows for structured interactions that incorporate various media types, differing from the unrestricted nature of previous chats.
Interactive fiction has gained substantial popularity in recent years, with users increasingly drawn to narrative-driven experiences. Platforms offering such content report higher engagement rates among younger demographics, providing a controlled environment for creativity and storytelling. Character.AI’s introduction of “Stories” taps into this trend, enabling users to build and navigate fictional scenarios featuring AI-generated personas.
User responses on the Character.AI subreddit reflect divided sentiments among teenagers affected by the changes. One user, identifying as a teenager, commented, “I’m so mad about the ban but also so happy because now I can do other things and my addiction might be over finally.” Another underage user noted, “as someone who is under 18 this is just disappointing. but also rightfully so bc people over here my age get addicted to this.” These comments highlight personal struggles with dependency alongside recognition of the restrictions’ intent.
