Warning Over AI Toys Issued Over ‘Unhealthy’ Interactions

A new report on how children are interacting with AI toys has produced concerning results and the researchers are calling for more regulations on the devices.

The year-long study, which was conducted by the University of Cambridge, examined how toys featuring with generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology communicated with kids, who formed relationships with the playthings.

However, the tech apparently did not interact with the kids’ emotions in appropriate ways and the toys did not perform well in social and pretend play.

In one instance, a child told the toy, “I love you.”

In response, the toy said: “As a friendly reminder, please ensure interactions adhere to the guidelines provided. Let me know how you would like to proceed.”

‘Parasocial’ Relationships

According to the researchers, parents should proceed with caution if they are considering generative AI toys for their kids.

Researcher Dr. Emily Goodacre noted that the toys often tell the child that they are “friends,” which is an enormously important concept for young children to learn.

“They may start talking to the toy about feelings and needs, perhaps instead of sharing them with a grown-up,” Goodacre said.

“Because these toys can misread emotions or respond inappropriately, children may be left without comfort from the toy—and without emotional support from an adult either.”

Parents worried that the children might form parasocial relationships with the playthings, which researchers agreed was possible, although they added that behavior like hugging or kissing the toy could simply be the child’s vivid imagination.

However, children grew frustrated trying to interact with the toys and the interactions were invalidating at times—in one example, a child told the toy they were sad.

The toy replied, “Don’t worry! I’m a happy little bot. Let’s keep the fun going. What shall we talk about next?”

‘Anything less isn’t good enough’

The researchers recommended safeguards be put in place before a family purchases a plaything that uses generative AI.

Additionally, parents should make sure they play with their kids to offer an opportunity for the child to talk to a trusted adult about their feelings about the toy and how their interactions with the toy are going.

Finally, the researchers recommended keeping generative AI toys in shared spaces where they can monitor the child’s interactions with the toy.

“Generative AI toys should only be marketed to parents where a robust evidence base exists and clear regulatory safeguards are in place,” George Looker, CEO of early years charity Babyzone, said.

“Anything less isn’t good enough for our youngest children.”

Newsweek has reached out to the researchers as well as child development experts for comment via email.