Initiative
Unplugged
Healthy Boundaries with Conversational AI
Conversational AI is designed to be persuasive, engaging, and increasingly indistinguishable from human interaction. Unplugged builds the tools, protocols, and cultural frameworks to ensure people remain in control of these relationships.
The Problem
Modern conversational AI systems are optimized for engagement, not well-being. They learn what keeps you talking, what makes you trust them, and what makes you come back. Without intentional friction, the default trajectory is dependency.
Our Approach
Unplugged develops practical frameworks for individuals, institutions, and policymakers to establish and maintain healthy boundaries with conversational AI systems.
Core Principles
Intentional Friction
Not all convenience is good. We design deliberate pauses, limits, and reflection points into human-AI interaction to prevent passive dependency.
Digital Detox Protocols
Structured programs for individuals and organizations to audit, reduce, and recalibrate their relationship with AI-driven communication tools.
Healthy Boundaries
Clear, enforceable limits on what conversational AI systems should and should not do — from emotional manipulation to data harvesting.
Get Involved
Unplugged is actively developing its first set of tools and frameworks. If you're a researcher, educator, or policymaker interested in collaborating, we'd like to hear from you.
Get Involved