Children Developing 'Friend-Like' Relationships with AI Chatbots, Survey Finds
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, a new survey commissioned by Vodafone has uncovered a startling trend: nearly a third of children who use AI chatbots are developing what they describe as "friend-like" relationships with the technology. The poll, which explored the experiences of 2,000 children aged 11 to 16 alongside their parents, revealed that 31 per cent of those engaging with AI chatbots agreed they would characterise the interaction as akin to having a friend.
Emotional Reliance on AI Technology
The findings highlight a growing reliance on AI for emotional support among young users. Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of the children surveyed reported seeking advice from chatbots on challenging personal situations. Furthermore, nearly one in five (17 per cent) indicated that conversing with AI technology felt safer than speaking to another person, raising significant questions about the social and psychological impacts of these digital interactions.
Expert Insights on Benefits and Risks
Katie Freeman-Tayler, head of policy and research at Internet Matters, provided expert analysis on how young children are utilising chatbots and the associated benefits. "When we spoke to children and young people as part of our Me, Myself and AI research last year, we found that those regularly engaging with AI chatbots were using them for a range of purposes, including school work, advice, and even companionship," Freeman-Tayler explained.
Positive aspects identified include enhanced learning opportunities, such as practicing languages not spoken at home, learning at an individualised pace, and receiving explanations in more digestible language. Children also reported chatbots being helpful for step-by-step guidance on non-sensitive topics, like learning how to French braid hair.
Potential Dangers and Long-Term Concerns
However, Freeman-Tayler emphasised that the long-term impacts of AI chatbots on children remain largely unknown. Regular use could potentially impair the development of critical thinking skills, as children are still in crucial cognitive growth stages. There are also substantial concerns about emotional attachments forming with chatbots.
"Parents should be watching out for whether children are forming an emotional attachment to a chatbot, for example, by sharing personal information or relying on it for serious advice rather than turning to a trusted adult," Freeman-Tayler highlighted. The report found that vulnerable children, particularly those lacking strong offline relationships or trusted adults, were more likely to lean on chatbots for friendship and perceive them as real people.
Accuracy and Age-Appropriateness Issues
Additional risks involve the accuracy and reliability of AI technology. Freeman-Tayler noted instances of chatbots contradicting themselves and providing inaccurate advice, which can be particularly dangerous for children who may not yet have developed robust critical thinking abilities. Moreover, many AI chatbots are not designed specifically for children, potentially exposing young users to age-inappropriate or harmful content.
Practical Guidance for Parents
Internet Matters offers several key recommendations for parents navigating their children's use of AI chatbots:
- Ask Questions: Maintain open conversations about online safety and inquire about your child's digital interactions regularly.
- Explore AI Together: Engage in supervised exploration of AI tools to model safe behaviour, answer questions, and establish expectations early.
- Explain How It Works: Ensure children understand they are not communicating with a real person by demystifying the technology's mechanics.
- Build Early Critical Thinking: Encourage questions like "Does this make sense?" or "How can we check this?" to foster analytical skills.
- Prioritise Data and Privacy Safety: Adjust app privacy settings and educate children about personal data, emphasising the importance of not sharing private details.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rules regarding where, when, and how AI tools can be used to promote healthy, age-appropriate engagement.
Freeman-Tayler underscored that parents remain the primary source of online safety information and should leverage resources like internetmatters.org for free advice and conversation starters. As AI continues to evolve, proactive parental involvement and education will be crucial in safeguarding children's digital wellbeing.
