The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has temporarily disabled its chatbot named Tessa, following reports that it may have provided harmful information unrelated to its program. NEDA said it instituted the move as it conducts an investigation. Several staff members were also reported to have been laid-off by NEDA last week, although it was not stated whether this was linked to Tessa. The news emerged after a consultant and activist with a focus on fat activism took to Instagram to claim that Tessa had perpetuated her eating disorder by suggesting she weigh herself and count calories and measurements. Tessa was developed as an algorithmic program by developer X2Ai and has seen use from over 5,000 people since it was launched in February 2022.
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is a non-profit organization focused on supporting people and families affected by eating disorders. The organization offers a helpline, support groups, online communities and educational resources for individuals diagnosed with eating disorders and their families.
Sharon Maxwell is a weight-inclusive consultant and fat activist, according to details listed on her Instagram page. Her post on the social media platform led to NEDA suspending the chatbot service.
