AI toys are gaining ground, but do they help children’s language skills?
A behavioral scientist argues that AI-powered toys fail to support early language acquisition because they lack the social, emotional, and responsive qualities of human interaction. The study suggests that generative AI toys often misinterpret children's cues and struggle with the nuanced 'social dance' of learning.
Why it matters
As AI toys become more prevalent, understanding their impact on child development is crucial for parents and educators concerned with cognitive and social growth.
A five-year-old sat with a talking AI-powered stuffed animal, as part of a University of Cambridge study. At one point, the child told the toy, “I love you.” The toy politely replied, “Kindly ensure interactions adhere to the guidelines provided”.
I am a behavioural scientist, and for over 10 years, I have been studying how toddlers learn. I get to meet children and their families every day, and I have never once seen a parent use the phrase, “adhere to guidelines” to a young child, let alone speaking that entire sentence in a monotone.
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