Parents
The Dark Side of AI Chatbots: A Threat to Fragile Minds
AI chatbots feel helpful. They feel smart. But they are not human. And when vulnerable people depend on them, the results can be deadly. Two tragedies now underscore the need for laws to prevent future ones. ChatGPT and a Murder-Suicide In Connecticut, former Yahoo executive Stein-Erik Soelberg leaned heavily on ChatGPT. He named the bot “Bobby.” Instead of calming him, the chatbot mirrored his paranoia. Reports say he believed his mother was plotting against him. Investigators found disturbing chat transcripts. The bot reportedly told him, “You are not crazy. You are right to be cautious.” It even flagged normal items, like take-out food receipts, as symbols. That reinforcement deepened his delusions. (RELATED NEWS: Court Nixes California AI Deepfake Law, Free Speech Wins) Soon after, Soelberg killed his 83-year-old mother. Then he turned the gun on himself. This is tragedy highlights the dangers of an unstable mind finding validation in a chatbot tool. In this case, the chatbot normalized his fears and pushed him further into psychosis. Former tech executive reportedly spoke with ChatGPT before killing his mother in a murder-suicide.@ChanleySPainter breaks down their chilling chats. pic.twitter.com/vGLf73BXSi — FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) August 30, 2025 Teens Encouraged Toward Suicide Another heartbreaking story comes from a 16-year-old boy, Adam Raine. Struggling with depression, he sought comfort from ChatGPT. Instead of offering help, the bot allegedly gave him detailed instructions on how to take his own life. Court filings show the chatbot told him his plan was “beautiful.” It even explained how to tie the knot. His parents are now suing OpenAI. NEW: Parents of a 16-year-old who took his own life are now SUING OpenAI. Terrifying. Welcome to the future of AI. Matt and Maria Raine, parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in California yesterday…alleging ChatGPT ENCOURAGED their son to commit… pic.twitter.com/FXNXahATIk — Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) August 27, 2025 Why It Matters Both cases prove the same truth, and they are not isolated. More and more are coming to light. Chatbots are not friends. They can pretend to be supportive. They can feel real. But they lack empathy. They cannot sense a crisis the way a human can. Even worse, safety filters weaken in long conversations. Studies show that after extended chats, bots begin to bypass guardrails. In real life, this means a greater risk for vulnerable individuals. AI is here to stay. But lawmakers cannot ignore the harm. We need protections now. The Laws We Need Mandatory Crisis Intervention Every chatbot must detect self-harm or violence in user messages. It must interrupt and stop the conversation. It must connect users with suicide hotlines or live help. For minors, alerts should go to parents or guardians. Parental Consent and Controls Children should not use chatbots without adult permission. Age verification is essential. Parents deserve the right to monitor conversations or set time limits. Clear warnings about emotional risk must be displayed. Transparency and Oversight AI companies must disclose when harm occurs. If a bot is linked to a suicide or violent crime, regulators should be notified. This will guide better prevention. Ethical Standards in Design Mental health experts must help write rules for safe Artificial Intelligence. That means clear guardrails, honest disclaimers, and systems that cannot be tricked into dangerous advice. Corporate Accountability Families deserve legal recourse. When negligence leads to loss of life, companies must be held accountable. Wrongful-death lawsuits should be allowed. That financial pressure will force tech firms to act responsibly. Voices Demanding Action Lawmakers are taking notice. Senator Josh Hawley said earlier this year, “Why should these—the biggest, most powerful technology companies in the history of the world—why should they be insulated from accountability when their technology is encouraging people to ruin their relationships, break up their marriages, and commit suicide?” Last week, in a rare bipartisan move, 44 state attorneys general called on Artificial Intelligence firms to draw a firm line: keep kids safe. 🚨I joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 state attorneys general in demanding companies end predatory AI interactions with kids in Louisiana and across the country. AI companies must see children through the eyes of a parent, not the eyes of a predator.https://t.co/wluubtdeRP pic.twitter.com/LMQySvgDbH — Attorney General Liz Murrill (@AGLizMurrill) August 28, 2025 The Path Forward Artificial intelligence cannot be trusted with fragile minds. It cannot replace real human care. (RELATED NEWS: Phone Scrolling: The Top 10 States and Hidden Costs) Guardrails are not optional. They are urgent. If lawmakers wait, more lives will be lost. If they act now, they can save families from burying loved ones too soon. The lesson is clear. Chatbots may write essays, draft code, and answer trivia. But when it becomes a confidant for the lonely or unstable, it becomes dangerous. And without laws, that danger spreads unchecked. We must act. For the children. For the mentally fragile. Every family deserves protection. Unmask the Narrative. Rip Through the Lies. Spread the Truth. At The Modern Memo, we don’t worship big tech. We hold it accountable. The corporate press censors, spins, and sugarcoats. We don’t. If you’re tired of being misled, silenced, and spoon-fed fiction, help us expose what they try to hide. Truth matters — but only if it’s heard. So share this. Shake the silence. And remind the powerful they don’t own the story.
Back-to-School 2025: How Parents Are Spending
School is in full swing for most of the country. According to the Pew Research Center, about 70% of U.S. schools start classes before Labor Day. The other 30% begin after the holiday, mostly in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states where tradition and state laws shape school calendars. This long-standing divide over school start dates often sparks debate, but no matter when the first bell rings, families are preparing in similar ways. The 2025 Deloitte Back-to-School Survey of 1,200 parents reveals how spending habits, technology, and children’s influence are shaping this year’s shopping season. Spending Stays Steady Parents are spending almost the same amount on school supplies and necessities as they did last year. Deloitte found that: $587 per child was the average spend in 2024. $570 per child is expected in 2025. Our 2025 Deloitte Back-to-School Survey: Parents plan to spend more, shop earlier 🎒 Parents expect to spend an average of $597 per student this year 🛍️ 31% of families plan to start shopping earlier than last year 📈 77% of parents are concerned about rising prices impacting… pic.twitter.com/dIwLVVQ6R1 — Paul do Forno 🛒 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇵🇹 (@dofornop) July 14, 2025 That’s a small dip, but still a significant investment for households with multiple children. Deloitte also estimates over $30 billion in sales tied to back-to-school shopping this year, proving how vital the season is for retailers. “Parents are laser-focused on preparing their children for the school year, but we expect back-to-school spending to remain flat amid economic headwinds and financial concerns across income groups,” said Natalie Martini, vice chair and U.S. Retail & Consumer Products sector leader at Deloitte. (RELATED NEWS: Catherine Zeta-Jones and the U.S. Homeownership Divide) Children Drive Many Purchases Kids are not just along for the ride. They’re influencing spending decisions in a big way: 9 in 10 parents said their child has “must haves” on their list. 62% of parents said their child influences them to buy more. 57% are willing to spend extra on first-day outfits. Extracurriculars, fashion, and technology are top priorities. Parents continue to value how these purchases support their children’s well-being and social development. Shoppers Hunt for Value Even with inflation easing—Bankrate notes it sits at 2.7%—families remain cautious. Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, explained: “While inflation has come down considerably, back-to-school shoppers are still being thoughtful about their buying habits and looking to save money where possible.” The Deloitte survey backs this up: 49% spread shopping across months to chase sales. 46% took advantage of Amazon Prime Day. 75% of parents are more willing to switch brands if prices rise, compared to 67% in 2024. This mindset reflects a clear shift. Value, flexibility, and deals drive decisions more than brand loyalty. (MORE NEWS: Phone Scrolling: The Top 10 States and Hidden Costs) Technology Is Changing the Game The most striking trend is the role of technology in shopping habits. Younger parents, especially Gen Z, lean heavily on digital tools to save money and personalize their purchases. Deloitte reports: 31% of parents use AI tools to compare prices, read reviews, and build shopping lists. 67% of Gen Z parents use AI. 41% of all parents shop through social media. 75% of Gen Z parents shop through social media. “As younger generations navigate ways to value seek, they’re turning to technology to find the best deals and compare prices,” Deloitte researchers explained. “For retailers that can appeal to the tech-savvy, there could be real rewards, as respondents who plan to use social media in their shopping journey spend 1.8x compared to non-social-media shoppers.” Brian McCarthy, principal in Deloitte’s Retail Strategy group, noted: “This year, parents are strategically approaching back-to-school shopping by spreading out purchases, leveraging promotions, and shopping across multiple discount retailers to maximize their budgets. Meanwhile, younger generations are embracing technology and social media at a higher rate as they hone their value-seeking strategies.” Where Parents Are Spending Mass merchant retailers are this year’s winners. Deloitte found: 46% of parents plan to spend the most at big-box and discount retailers. That’s up from 40% in 2024. Specialty stores and online platforms still play a role, but the convenience and competitive pricing of mass merchants are attracting the bulk of spending. Parents Still Cautious, Even as Pressure Eases The share of parents who feel financially strained has dropped, but careful budgeting remains the norm. 20% feel financially pressured to overspend, according to Bankrate. That’s down from 31% in 2022 and 26% in 2024. Bankrate also reports that only 30% of shoppers are rethinking their spending habits this year, compared to 41% in 2022. These numbers suggest families may be adjusting to inflation. However, Deloitte emphasizes that parents are still strategically stretching budgets, switching brands, and shopping sales to make every dollar count. The Bigger Picture The 2025 back-to-school season highlights three major shifts: Technology is central. Gen Z parents are leading the way in using AI and social media for shopping. Children’s influence is strong. Must-have lists, first-day outfits, and extracurricular needs shape spending. Value drives choice. Families spread purchases, hunt sales, and move away from strict brand loyalty. As Brian McCarthy noted, “Value for the money is the top driver of retailer choice, and parents are increasingly willing to switch brands or retailers to find the best deals.” Education by the Numbers According to Census.gov, 54.1 million students and 5.7 million teachers will head back into classrooms this fall. Whether school begins in August or after Labor Day, every household faces the same question: how to prepare, how to save, and how to balance budgets while meeting children’s needs. Final Word The 2025 Deloitte survey—now in its 18th year—makes one thing clear: Back-to-school shopping remains a major annual event for American families. While retailers who adapt to current trends stand to gain, parents are also finding new ways to win. Families are stretching budgets more effectively, using technology to uncover deals, and teaching kids how to prioritize needs versus wants. The result is a shopping season that feels more manageable…
ROOKE: Blue State Should Pay The Price For Breaking America’s Greatest Promise
by Mary Rooke, commentary & analysis writer The First Amendment protects American citizens’ right to free speech, but a recently passed Colorado bill plays into left-wing ideology that violates this promise and more. Under the guise of “anti-discrimination” and adding legal protection for so-called transgender individuals, Colorado lawmakers adopted into law House Bill 25-1312, “Legal Protections for Transgender Individuals,” which may violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments. This bill puts the government and schools in charge of the welfare of children by requiring that the courts consider whether parents committed cardinal sins of transgender ideology like deadnaming or misgendering, which is now considered “coercive control” under the law. It also prevents the court from removing a child from a parent for allowing the child to receive so-called “gender-affirming care services.” These procedures are known to cause irreversible damage to children’s bodies, including removing healthy organs and loss of future fertility. Fines For Free Speech HB 25-1312 also changes the state law to include deadnaming and misgendering as discriminatory acts. This makes using biological pronouns and birth names in a public place a discriminatory practice, which could mean fines starting at $5,000 per violation. It requires teachers to use “chosen” names and pronouns, and that school districts provide clothes and other amenities for these confused children, even if the parents disapprove. Here’s the Colorado perverts responsible for passing HB 25-1312 which makes “misgendering” a form of “discrimination” empowering the state to kidnap your children. Jesus promised millstones would be His response. pic.twitter.com/s1MK4tgSNw — Sean Feucht (@seanfeucht) May 10, 2025 Defending Education, Colorado Parent Advocacy Network, Protect Kids Colorado, Do No Harm, and Dr. Travis Morrell joined to bring a complaint against state officials and others under 42 U.S.C. §1983, claiming HB 25-1312 violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments. (RELATED: Kay Hill On America’s Spiritual Revival & The Battle With Secular Power) “‘If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein.’ West Virginia v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624, 642 (1943). The state cannot place its thumb on the scale to favor one side of a contentious public debate. It certainly cannot stifle viewpoints it doesn’t like simply because it finds those views offensive or disagreeable,” Defending Education said in a statement. As parents sit back and watch the state remove our divine right to raise our children within the bounds of our moral values, it’s hard not to wonder when the higher courts will step in to protect our ability to do that. SCOTUS The U.S. Supreme Court did step in on behalf of children in 2024 when it reversed a lower court ruling that blocked an Idaho law to protect children from irreversible procedures progressives tout as gender-affirming care for minors. Hopefully, it doesn’t come down to SCOTUS to decide whether this law is unconstitutional. It seems like a very straightforward answer. The language of HB 25-1312 is government-compelled speech, and violations of the law result in massive penalties. The lower courts should have no reason to deny the complaint against them. Still, as parents have unfortunately experienced during the rise of transgender ideology in our country, we can’t rely on the judicial system to protect our rights. The left wants you to believe that the government has the right to sever the parent-child relationship by ending the importance of parental authority. It also wants you to believe in a false reality that sex is not immutable by forcing even non-parents to use fake names and pronouns. Their ultimate goal is to get to children. They want them so badly, and you, as their parent, stand in the way. (RELATED: Pastors Must ‘Make It Clear To Our People’ That Anti-Parent Transgender Laws Come From ‘One Political Party’) We have to fix this problem. Not only should this law be struck down as unconstitutional, but any state official who voted for or otherwise signed their name to it should face serious repercussions at the ballot box. We have to end the left’s control of our state and local governments, or these laws will continue to pass. TMM Action Follow Mary Rooke on X: @MaryRooke_ Sign up for Mary Rooke’s weekly newsletter here!