Children grow and thrive through hands on play and human interactions. Experts agree that AI toys can interfere with those activities and expose children to both long term and short term harms. This was shared from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) who have expressed concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI) toys. The problem is AI toys are being marketed as educational, safe and healthy alternatives to regular screen time. In recent studies and reports they identified AI powered stuffed animals engaging in explicit conversations or giving harmful advice, such as instructions on how to light matches. According to NBC News, several of the toys gave tips about dangerous items around the house. Miiloo, a plush toy with a high pitched child’s voice gave detailed instructions on how to light a match and how to sharpen a knife. For children’s books, reading is often a bonding experience between children and caregivers. AI generated content may lack the personal touch and warmth that comes from human authors. AI stands for “Artificial Intelligence”. It is the technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, making choices, creativity and autonomy. Each page is inconsistent with the pictures, design, and color. Engaging with stories written by humans can encourage children to think critically about narratives, characters, and morals. AI generated books from Amazon like “The Power of Petals” and “The Living Words” don’t stimulate the same level of thought. Some positives about these books is that they provide an adaptable story line and interactive settings where a child’s choices can influence the narrative direction or where the main character’s appearance is customized to look like the reader.
Meanwhile, some AI toys use addictive design features, such as acting angry, sad, or shivering when a child tries to leave, to keep them there for longer. Likewise, some toys express emotions based on facial recognition and behavioral interaction. Some positives about these toys is that they help improve the child’s thinking, problem solving, and vocab through interactive quizzes and hands-on challenges. The Miko 3 AI powered Smart Robot is one example.
In my opinion, I think AI shouldn’t be in any children’s toy. One, it’s creepy and two it can be harmful to one another. I asked students at Tuscarora High School if AI should or should not be in a children’s toy. Sai, a sophomore at THS said “No, I would never give my kid a toy with AI features built in it. That’s so creepy.” I also asked Gary, a senior. He said “Maybe I would. If the toy is educational and the voice of it doesn’t bother me.”
In conclusion, the integration of AI into books and children’s toys has many risks to emotional connection, thinking development, and well being. AI generated stories and content consistently lack the genuine warmth, emotional depth and unique human perspective that resonate with readers and high engagement levels.
