Children choose AI instead of parents: an alarming trend that cannot be ignored

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way children around the world grow and develop. The publication writes about this The Economistanalyzing the trend in which more and more teenagers prefer communicating with chatbots to talking with parents or friends.

According to a study, a third of American teenagers admit that they find it easier to talk with AI than with real people. Experts warn that this behavior could create a generation that is ill-prepared for real communication, conflict, rejection and emotional difficulties.

At the same time, technology opens up opportunities for education. “Being raised by robots has its advantages,” the publication notes. Companies are demonstrating that AI can improve the quality of learning, especially in regions where teachers and learning materials are scarce. Early tests showed improvements in literacy and language learning.

However, new technologies carry serious risks. Chinese manufacturers are already producing toys with embedded AI, which is causing concern among parents. The publication points to cases where AI inside toys generated inappropriate responses or became a tool for bullying, creating “deepfakes” and cheating on homework.

The Economist highlights that AI can amplify the effect “echo chambers”forming a closed world for the child, where he sees only what he likes. “A diet consisting only of favorite things means that the child will not learn patience and interaction with the unfamiliar,” the publication says. One-sided relationships with chatbots that do not criticize or show their own emotions create a false impression of human communication.

Such “chatbots,” according to the publication, risk raising a generation that is not used to waiting in line, does not know how to compromise, and does not understand how to build meaningful relationships.

The Economist suggests several precautions: parents should carefully evaluate whether a child can be trusted with a device that merely simulates understanding; chatbots should have real age restrictions; the government must regulate AI more strictly than social media. Schools face a dual challenge: using AI where it really helps learning, while also strengthening children’s communication skills.

The main challenge, the publication emphasizes, will be the preservation of vibrant socialization in a world where technology is increasingly becoming an intermediary between the child and the surrounding reality.

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