Unlike many parents, children are fearless around AI

Unlike many parents, children are fearless around AI

How kids interact with AI toys and why AI literacy matters

Children are very trusting of interactive toys powered by generative artificial intelligence, according to a new study by the University of Cincinnati.

Researchers in UC's College of Arts and Sciences spoke to 41 children between the ages of 5 and 10 after they were invited to play three interactive games with a commercially available robot called Miko that uses generative AI.

They found that children tended to believe what the AI robot told them was true. And children were enthusiastic in engaging with the toy robot even if they had never before seen one.

Their embrace of AI contrasts with concerns expressed by some of their parents, UC Assistant Professor Kelly Merrill Jr. said.

"The biggest takeaway for me is these children are extremely excited about robots and AI," Merrill said. "AI can be a scary thing for parents."

Merrill and his research partner, UC Niehoff Professor Nancy Jennings, presented their findings at the Comm Horizons conference at the University of California, Davis. The two teach in UC's School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Jennings said UC's examination demonstrates the need to build AI literacy at a young age so children are aware of both the abilities and limitations of this emerging technology. The new generation will never know a world without artificial intelligence, she said.

"AI is being integrated with every aspect of life. So we will have to educate children at a young age to use critical thinking about the tools and talk through some of their experiences with their parents," Jennings said.

UC researchers had children ages 5 to 10 play three games with a toy robot that uses generative AI and then asked them questions to learn about their attitudes about AI. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand

Families adopt new technology more quickly

Families with young children typically are quicker to take advantage of new technology than other populations, she said.

"It's not surprising they would be the first adopters of social robots and AI agents," she said. "But there are a lot of unknowns about being the first and having those initial experiences."

Jennings said interactive computer toys were especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing meant fewer group playdates for children.

The interactive toys could have educational benefits such as helping children practice conversation and improve vocabulary and listening skills. And Jennings noted that the robots might appeal to some children who have limited social outlets outside of school.

"We asked the children after they played with Miko if they considered it to be a toy, a friend or something else," Jennings said.

Assistant Professor Kelly Merrill Jr. UC College of Arts and Sciences

"What was interesting is that some of the children, particularly if they expressed they had trouble making friends at school, said they really liked talking to Miko," she said. "They said it was a friend who wouldn't judge them or make them feel bullied."

Some toymakers have been criticized for not doing enough to create age-appropriate safeguards. Common Sense Media conducted a risk assessment this year that found the toys regularly generated age-inappropriate content. And consumer advocates such as the nonprofit Public Interest Research Group say the toys raise privacy concerns.

UC researchers observed some of Miko's built-in guardrails while watching the children collaborate with its Story Maker program.

"If the child started telling a story that was too scary or involved guns, Miko would redirect, 'That sounds scary. Let's do something else,'" Merrill said.

Moderation in everything AI

"I think it's important to understand that these AI tools are not replacements - they're complements," Merrill said. "We shouldn't be looking to replace people."

And UC researchers said they are becoming familiar tools for the children they interviewed. Merrill said half of the children in the study regularly used AI agents at home.

"The most common response I got was that they used AI for music: 'Hey, Siri, play this song' or 'Hey, Alexa,'" Merrill said.

From the phone on his desk, the familiar voice of Siri interrupted: "Now playing 'Deli' from Ice Spice on Apple Music."

"Robots are always listening," Merrill mused.

Featured image at top: Assistant Professor Kelly Merrill studies health communication and technology in UC's School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand

UC Professor Nancy Jennings and Assistant Professor Kelly Merrill Jr. are studying how children interact with generative artificial intelligence. Photo/COnnor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand

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