Chatbots: Benefits, Boundaries, and Balancing AI Use

➡️ In this episode:

• Chun‑Hua Tsai, Ph.D., from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) College of Information Science & Technology (CIS&T), unpacks the technological advances behind chatbots and highlights how they've become integrated into daily routines, from customer service to personal assistants.

• Justin Weeks, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at UNMC, examines the human side of interaction with AI, shedding light on how people can grow overly reliant or even develop addictive patterns.

• Together, they discuss best practices for maintaining a healthy balance in our interactions with AI-driven tools and underscore the importance of digital wellness in an increasingly automated world.

📺 Watch the episode: Season 28, Episode 34 – Chatbots

💡 Why it matters: As AI-powered chatbots become more prevalent, they offer convenience—but also raise concerns about dependency, diminished social interaction, and mental health. For Nebraskans, understanding these tools helps users harness AI benefits responsibly while safeguarding emotional well-being. This episode encourages viewers to be mindful of how, and how often, they turn to chatbots in daily life.

🎞️ About Consider This: Now in its 28th season, Consider This is a weekly half-hour public affairs program on Nebraska Public Media. Episodes are recorded at UNO’s television studio as part of a production class led by instructor Michael Pacholski. The show is produced by students from UNO’s School of Communication, offering hands-on media experience while delivering high-quality programming statewide. Hosted by Cathy Wyatt, Consider This explores pressing topics with expert guests to help Nebraskans better understand the issues shaping their world.