That's true.
The prevailing opinion about it is wrong.
We use the term carelessly

I've written this before: It all comes down to your attitude. The assistant is actually your partner. You have to treat them well.

And I've seen many magicians who treat neither the animal nor the necessary props well.

In my show I do not need any volunteer to come up and be part of the show until I am 15-20 minutes into it. This gives the audience enough time to relax, get to feel comfortable with me and for me to know who is having a great time and would add to the routine that I need them for.

Apols it took me 3 weeks to follow up....you have had good advice so far

A few didactic bullet points
- never ask if "someone would like to come up"
- avoid getting people up unnecessarily, cards chosen, books browsed, things borrowed can often be done "in situ" Tommy Wonder disliked involving spectators because it introduces an uncontrollable variable
- ideally scan the audience before the show, spot potential helpers, during the show avoid the types outlined in other posts, you are looking for someone engaged and "open", if appropriate ask them before the show starts
- choose carefully and then in a charming, entertaining manner give them "no choice"
- do any screening questions before you ask them to help "are you happy with playing cards", "are you OK with reading small print" (bring up their glasses) - this avoids embarassment and begins to commit them
- in a mixed audience I would never choose a child as first helper - it reinforces "magic is really for the kids",
- finally there are lots well worn tricks of the trade "Could you just stand up so everybody can see you....just hand me the bill....oh I cant quite reach would you mind coming a bit closer/to the end of the row.....actually the people at the front are having to turn around, just come to the front.....you've come all this way you might as well come up on the stage - a big round of applause for volunteering!
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