Written by Elif Gulce Batgi
Increased usage of especially mobile phones, tablets, and computers caused people to be more exposed to AI. Children have included the exposure in their daily lives except in the fields AI is primarily used in, such as business. Another well-known examples of the usage of AI in daily life are smart algorithms Netflix and Youtube use to offer their users a personalized range of series and videos. However, AI may lie behind, such as Barbie dolls responding to children’s sayings; smart digital assistants, such as Siri; or smart speakers like Alexa (1). Even though there are plenty of opportunities that AI will offer humanity, are we sure about the effect on the newest visitors of the world? Is it right to call this generation “Generation AI” while they are already surrounded by AI involuntarily?
Before directly jumping into the opportunities or negative outcomes as a result of overuse, observing AI through their eyes may teach us more about the impact of AI on children. Children, starting from the first time their gaming desire appeared; start to meet with games, determine their favorite apps, and learn there is a world surrounding them. The most prevalent perception and reaction to AI are creating an identity for used devices, such as assuming the robotic vacuum cleaner is playing tag with them. Playfulness is the variable that can enchain children to AI products. The more enjoyable and colorful it is, the more children will be likely to choose.
Today, a lot of disorders are directly or indirectly caused by overuse and addiction to AI products. Children mostly play games and watch videos and these habits become social media and game addictions (2). Reward, hidden features, and side quests make gaming addictive and enjoyable for children (2). When an individual completes a level, beats a boss, kills an opponent, or unlocks a new player or level; the individual receives a boost of dopamine, resulting in gaming-induced pleasure, which is also a strong side to enchain itself to children (2). Children with social media addiction, especially YouTube, are seen outside with their parents’ phones to stay watching the videos and don’t disturb their parents. Parents are using their kids’ addictions to keep them quiet. While they are watching videos, their addiction keeps them motionless and reduces their indoor or outdoor playing time resulting in less or no physical growth (3).
Except for the negative outcomes of AI usage, it becomes a part of our life as an undeniable fact, so we have to get used to the new technologies. Some benefits help us to ignore disadvantages at some point. For example, children who can’t receive support from courses may consider taking them online. In the classroom, AI can help develop individualized learning tools that can help the student progress better and provide better services to each student, making sure that no one is left behind (4). Knewton is one of the examples of an AI-enabled learning software system that determines knowledge gaps and curates educational content in line with user needs (5). Algorithms are also behind Microsoft’s Presentation Translator provides real-time translation in 60 different languages (5).
Artificial Intelligence serves anyone in society for different purposes. These purposes may include education for children, smart speakers for elders, and digital systems to be used in their works for adults. However, mistaken usage and overuse may harm people both physically and psychologically, such as gibbousness and addiction. Although AI is still in the progress of development, it is obvious that studies for decreasing or preventing the disadvantages will be increased.
References:
What research tells us about the role of artificial intelligence in the life of a child. (n.d.). BiteScience. https://www.bitescience.com/bitefiles/what-research-tells-us-about-the-role-of-artificial-intelligence-in-the-life-of-a-child/.
The 6 most common types of technology addiction: Family addiction specialist: Addiction counselor. (n.d.). Family Addiction Specialist: Addiction Counselor: Brooklyn, NY & Manhattan New York, NY. https://www.familyaddictionspecialist.com/blog/the-6-most-common-types-of-technology-addiction#.
Niitwork, N. (2022, February 21). What impact does artificial intelligence have on a child's brain? Medium. https://medium.com/@niitwork0921/what-impact-does-artificial-intelligence-have-on-a-childs-brain-d1da46e77a0d.
AI Magazine. (2022, January 11). The impact of artificial intelligence on kids and teens. AI Magazine. https://aimagazine.com/machine-learning/the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence-on-kids-and-teens.
World Economic Forum. (2022, January 20). Artificial intelligence: Children, technology, and the future of work. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/artificial-intelligence-children-technology/.
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