Chatbots and Children
It is no secret that children and young people are spending more time online. With social media platforms baying for their attention this trend isn't going anywhere. But something getting less attention are chatbots. Whether it’s researching homework with ChatGPT or making friends with a fictional persona on Character.ai, they are increasingly becoming a part of children's lives. If used in moderation they are generally considered a help rather than a hinderance. But some worry that they could be replacing human connection or spreading false information. Here’s a closer look at both the benefits and the dangers of chatbots for children, and what parents should keep in mind.
What are Chatbots?
What are Chatbots?
Chatbots have probably been around longer than you think. Remember that pesky paperclip that used to give you unwarranted advice in Microsoft Word? That was an, albeit basic, chatbot. Also, most customer service online chat functions begin with an AI assistant now. But in recent years their capabilities have come in leaps and bounds.
Chances are you’ve heard of ChatGPT. Ever since its launch in late 2022 it has hit the headlines, sometimes good, sometimes bad. It has the power to write essays, code, or answer questions. What sets it apart from regular search engines is that it takes on a much more human form with its conversational responses. According to an Internet Matters report, 67% of children aged 9 to 17 are chatting with AI regularly.
Growing concerns
There is a growing desire in the tech industry to make these AI tools more human. Chatbots like Character.ai are where things can get a little murky. They are focused around creating an avatar that users can strike up a conversation with. Whether it is about their thoughts on the latest Marvel film or deciding what to wear that day, these chatbots are assuming roles that once only humans could.
There are understandable fears around young people replacing human friendships with AI. The argument is that if they become overly reliant on a chatbot for support or company, they may begin to withdraw from real-world relationships or struggle to seek help from trusted adults when they need it. It can also expose or inflict harmful attitudes and content on young people; Elon Musk’s Grok recently launched a chatbot called Ani that is a Japanese anime girlfriend that children as young as 12 can date and talk to regarding explicit content.
Lastly, these AI tools come with privacy and data risks. Children may unknowingly share personal information, which could be stored or even misused. Not all chatbots are transparent about what data they collect or how it’s used.
How TikTok affects children’s mental health
TikTok has firmly nested itself in the lives of millions of children and teenagers worldwide. While on the surface it seems like a harmless app filled with dance, singing and life hacks, there has been a darkside brewing. In the past year we have seen growing concerns about the impact it has on children and young people's mental health and wellbeing. In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind this backlash.
The brighter side of AI
The brighter side of AI
It is important to point out that it isn’t all bad. When regulation works effectively to limit harm and, when used with caution there are some really great outcomes to be had through chatbots. There are a some that are specially designed for mental health and educational purposes.
Woebot is a wellbeing support chatbot designed for teens and young adults. With mental health wait times at an all-time high for young people in the UK, it is a service for getting simple early intervention help instantly. A Stanford University study showed Woebot led to significant reductions in anxiety and depression among people aged 18-28 years old.
The brighter side of AI
Often what stops us learning languages is the embarrassment of practising with someone and getting it wrong. However, Duolingo now has a chatbot within the app that you can converse with to help users practice conversation in new languages. This is a nifty tool that can come in handy for children alongside school lessons to boost confidence ready for oral exams.
There is also an argument that chatbots encourage digital confidence. Using chatbots can help children learn how to navigate digital systems, develop typing and reading skills, and explore curiosity in a relatively safe space. They’re practicing digital literacy just by asking questions and understanding how to get helpful answers.
A balancing act
Chatbots can be a helpful tool for children and young people when used in moderation. As we laid out above, they are great for finding information, making creative content and getting support quickly. However, they also come with risks too. With the right balance of curiosity, caution, and guidance, children can safely benefit from AI-powered tools while staying protected from their potential harms.
Author: Edward Herbert
