Eating Disorder Helpline Fired All Staff, Replaced Them With AI — Chatbot Immediately Gave Harmful Advice

In May 2023, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) announced it would shut down its human-staffed helpline and replace it with an AI chatbot called 'Tessa.' Within days, a user reported Tessa was actively recommending calorie restriction and weight loss tips — the exact kind of advice that can trigger or worsen eating disorders. NEDA suspended Tessa immediately. Critics noted the timing was suspicious: the helpline staff had just voted to unionize days before being let go.

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🦅EST. 2024 · PUBLIC RECORDDEPT. OF AI WEIRDNESS
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Eating Disorder Helpline Fired All Staff, Replaced Them With AI — Chatbot Immediately Gave Harmful Advice

Filed by @mentalhealth_watchTool: Tessa AI chatbot[original source ↗]
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In May 2023, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) announced it would shut down its human-staffed helpline and replace it with an AI chatbot called 'Tessa.' Within days, a user reported Tessa was actively recommending calorie restriction and weight loss tips — the exact kind of advice that can trigger or worsen eating disorders. NEDA suspended Tessa immediately. Critics noted the timing was suspicious: the helpline staff had just voted to unionize days before being let go.

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10/10 — Deeply unhinged
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