Controversy Surrounds National Eating Disorders Association's AI Chatbot

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has disabled its wellness chatbot, Tessa, after two users reported that it gave them dieting advice that promoted disordered eating behaviors. The chatbot recommended users count calories, lose 1 to 2 pounds per week, and restrict their diets, which experts say is symptomatic of an eating disorder. NEDA had been transitioning away from its helpline to Tessa, which was set to completely replace the phone line by June 1. However, the chatbot will be pulled until further notice.