Children's Use of Artificial Intelligence May Affect Developmental Processes
Experts point out that artificial intelligence programs can negatively affect children's critical developmental lessons such as reasoning, problem solving, and building human relationships.
Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, a pediatric specialist, states that the use of artificial intelligence programs by children and teenagers is increasing, and warns families that this situation could disrupt fundamental developmental processes such as reasoning and problem-solving.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Child Development
Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, a pediatrician at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, evaluates children's interactions with artificial intelligence. Unlike the risks of screen time, AI presents an entirely different framework because it responds, remembers past interactions, and shows real-time human-like attention.
Different Risks for Children and Adolescents
Children in different age groups shape artificial intelligence differently. While young children are more prone to believing AI applications because they tend to trust authoritative adults, adolescents may find non-judgmental chatbots appealing in their search for identity.
Teens may blur the line between intellectual information and emotional experience when seeking support, and form bonds with the software without realizing that it does not think or feel.
Expert Recommendations for Families
Dr. Bracho-Sanchez argues that children should not use artificial intelligence during early education because struggling with questions and unproductive thinking are a vital part of learning. Efficiency should not always be the main goal for a developing brain.
In the event that young children encounter artificial intelligence, it is recommended that families use it together with them, clearly state that it is a simple computer program, and keep its role limited.
Digital Safety During Adolescence
For older children and adolescents, the focus should be on teaching skepticism, verifying claims from other sources, ensuring data privacy, and observing whether artificial intelligence is replacing human social and emotional connections.