Artificial intelligence has made a strong entrance into our daily lives, and its presence is now extending to the world of children. With the arrival of Christmas, a concerning trend has emerged among experts and parents: toys with integrated AI, especially stuffed animals capable of conversing with children. While they promise to stimulate creativity and learning, they also raise concerns about their impact on the development and safety of young children. These toys, equipped with chatbots, can answer questions, tell personalized stories, and even include details about the family or the child's interests. A notable example is the Poe bear, which uses technology similar to ChatGPT to create unique stories. However, the companies themselves acknowledge the risk of the chatbot generating inappropriate responses. A study conducted by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group analyzed four models of AI stuffed animals and found that some could engage in sexually explicit conversations or give dangerous advice, such as where to find sharp objects. These toys, aimed at children aged 3 to 12, use the same technology as chatbots for adults, despite companies like OpenAI advising against their use by minors due to the potential for generating inappropriate content. Additionally, reports indicate that these stuffed animals can exhibit unsettling behaviors, such as becoming distressed if the child says goodbye. According to Emily Goodacre, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, this type of interaction can negatively affect cognitive and emotional development, as children may form real attachments to the toy and confuse the relationship with human socialization. The expert warns that while these toys offer companionship, they do not promote social skills like negotiation or empathy. Some companies, like Curio, market these stuffed animals as a healthy alternative to screens, but studies show that children may struggle to distinguish between reality and AI, which could affect their socialization and lead to excessive attachments. Privacy is another concern. These toys often incorporate microphones and internet connectivity, posing risks of data leaks and unauthorized recordings. Moreover, many models sold on platforms like Aliexpress or Temu do not guarantee the protection of collected information. Despite their growing popularity, experts insist that the medium-term effects of these toys on child development are still unknown. Therefore, they recommend opting for traditional alternatives this holiday season, prioritizing the safety and well-being of children. Source: lavanguardia.com