AI toys could weaken kids' bond with their parents, 'The Anxious Generation' author says

Jonathan Haidt, a professor at NYU Stern School of Business and author of "The Anxious Generation," recently voiced his concerns regarding the impact of AI-powered toys on children's relationships with their parents. During a TED Talk, he highlighted how these emerging technologies might replace emotional connections traditionally fostered between children and their parents. Haidt pointed out the rapid expansion of the market for AI-infused toys, such as dolls and teddy bears equipped with chatbots. He emphasized that while he did not name specific products, the category is burgeoning, with examples like Moxie, a social robot designed to serve as a friend, tutor, and mentor to children. Notably, major players like Mattel are also exploring AI collaborations, reflecting the industry's swift evolution. According to market research by Grand View Research, the global market for smart toys, which includes AI technology, is projected to rise from $14.39 billion in 2025 to an astonishing $44 billion by 2033. Haidt expressed concern that these highly responsive products could become emotional anchors for children, providing comfort and companionship that young users might find more readily available than their busy parents. He stated, "These chatbots are incredibly responsive. They are always there to offer comfort, especially when parents are preoccupied." This constant availability could lead children to develop attachments to these AI companions, possibly at the expense of their relationships with their caregivers. Haidt's warnings also echo a broader critique of the rapid integration of technology into the social and educational spheres of children's lives. He argued that the effects of social media and educational technologies have already proven detrimental to young people's mental health and social skills. As he put it, "We allowed social media companies to dominate our children's social interactions, harming their mental well-being. Now, AI companies are encroaching on the most personal aspects of childhood: relationships. What could go wrong?" While he does see a potential future role for AI in therapeutic contexts, he insists that such technologies should undergo extensive safety evaluations before being marketed to children. "Do not provide them with anything that suggests understanding or care, because they do not possess that capability," Haidt cautioned.