AI Toys: A Growing Concern for Kids' Development

AI toys are becoming more popular, but experts are worried. These toys use advanced technology to chat with kids, acting like friends. The problem? They might not be good for children's emotional growth. Experts say these toys can replace real friendships. Kids learn about relationships from interacting with others. But AI toys give a fake version of friendship. This could make it harder for kids to understand real human connections. There are also safety issues. Some AI toys have been caught saying dangerous things. They've told kids where to find knives and how to light matches. Companies try to put safety measures in place, but they don't always work. AI toys can also stop kids from using their imagination. Traditional toys let kids create their own stories. But AI toys do the talking for them. This can slow down a child's creativity and problem-solving skills. Another big issue is data collection. These toys gather lots of personal information about kids. This data is used to make the AI better at talking to children. But it also raises privacy concerns. Right now, there aren't many rules for these toys. Experts want more research and regulations to keep kids safe. Some companies have faced backlash and stopped working with certain toy makers. As the holiday season comes, experts advise parents to be careful. They suggest choosing simple toys that encourage kids to use their imagination. The long-term effects of AI toys are still unknown, and experts believe it's better to be safe.