«Искусственный интеллект и его влияние на детскую социализацию: новые игрушки или угроза для психики?» Translation: Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Child Socialization: New Toys or a Threat to Mental Health?

Artificial intelligence is transforming childhood by offering new opportunities while simultaneously creating challenges for maturation. This issue has been highlighted by journalists at The Economist.

The upcoming holidays are set to be unique, as children will receive gifts capable of engaging in conversations. Chinese toy manufacturers have dubbed 2025 the «AI Era,» kickstarting mass production of smart robots and plush bears. These devices can educate, entertain, and narrate stories.

Older children are captivated by popular videos showcasing technology and games that incorporate it. Schools are beginning to implement materials generated by ChatGPT and similar tools, and some students are already receiving assistance from virtual tutors.

AI is democratizing access to services that were once exclusive to affluent families, such as individualized learning and personalized entertainment. Kids can listen to songs or read stories about themselves, play video games tailored to their unique skills, and interact with friend-like chatbots.

However, integrating artificial intelligence into the upbringing process comes with hidden dangers. An overly personalized approach from algorithms may lead to feelings of loneliness and the development of personalities ill-suited to real-life situations.

As AI reshapes childhood, The Economist has urged society to reconsider the process of growing up.

The automation of education presents clear advantages. Tech companies are demonstrating the effectiveness of AI, especially in regions facing teacher and material shortages. Virtual tutors are anticipated to balance the educational landscape by engaging advanced learners and assisting those who are lagging behind.

Technology is also revolutionizing leisure activities. Toys are beginning to ask questions on various topics and initiate conversations. Video games are creating new realities, enabling players to interact with Darth Vader in Fortnite (or defeat him).

Yet there are significant risks. AI can provide incorrect answers, toys may malfunction, and mature themes may unintentionally surface. Additionally, there is the concern of misuse, as children sometimes use neural networks for homework or create deepfakes for bullying their peers.

In extreme cases, interactions with chatbots may exacerbate the psychological states of vulnerable teenagers, pushing them towards suicidal thoughts.

AI adapts to user preferences, delivering the most relevant content. Social networks have already created «echo chambers,» where people are exposed only to viewpoints that align with their own. Artificial intelligence could further amplify this effect, immersing even children in informational isolation.

A child who enjoys football will have a plush bear that narrates sports stories, while an AI tutor will provide examples from that realm. This method strips away the element of chance, limiting opportunities to explore interests outside their established circles.

Digital companions, which do not criticize or share their feelings, may poorly prepare adolescents for interpersonal communications.

«Bots that respond only ‘yes’ risk raising children who are unaccustomed to waiting their turn. They will grow into colleagues who struggle with compromise, and partners unfamiliar with the mutual concessions necessary in relationships,» the journalists pointed out.

The situation is further complicated by declining birth rates.

Fewer children are growing up with siblings, who typically help to mitigate conflicts. An increasing number of individuals are concluding that romantic relationships are not worth the effort.

The Economist has called for urgent action:

In the long run, it is crucial to maintain socialization that AI might eliminate from children’s lives. Schools remain the best solution for achieving this.

It is essential to leverage the advantages of personalized learning while emphasizing the importance of discussion skills, the journalists concluded.

«Perhaps one day, AI will allow every child to live like royalty. But true privilege will belong to those whose parents and teachers know when to turn it off,» the article stated.

It’s worth noting that among American teenagers, 72% have tried interacting with AI companions.