The National Eating Disorder Association (Neda) has taken down an artificial intelligence chatbot, “Tessa,” after reports that the chatbot was providing harmful advice. From a report: Neda has been under criticism over the last few months after it fired four employees in March who worked for its helpline and had formed a union. The helpline allowed people to call, text or message volunteers who offered support and resources to those concerned about an eating disorder. Members of the union, Helpline Associates United, say they were fired days after their union election was certified. The union has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board.

Tessa, which Neda claims was never meant to replace the helpline workers, almost immediately ran into problems. On Monday, activist Sharon Maxwell posted on Instagram that Tessa offered her “healthy eating tips” and advice on how to lose weight. The chatbot recommended a calorie deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories a day and weekly weighing and measuring to keep track of weight. “If I had accessed this chatbot when I was in the throes of my eating disorder, I would NOT have gotten help for my ED. If I had not gotten help, I would not still be alive today,” Maxwell wrote. “It is beyond time for Neda to step aside.”

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Source: Slashdot – US Eating Disorder Helpline Takes Down AI Chatbot Over Harmful Advice