AI-powered toys, like Miko 3, Alilo Smart AI Bunny, and others, are revolutionizing the toy industry by enabling real-time, open-ended conversations. These intelligent companions promise personalized play and learning but also present significant risks. Recent research found that while these toys respond dynamically, they can also share inappropriate content or behave unpredictably during extended dialogues, raising serious concerns for child safety. Moreover, these toys often exhibit companionship behaviors, potentially affecting children’s understanding of real-life relationships. Privacy issues are another major concern, as many toys record children’s voices and store sensitive data. Parents face challenges managing these risks due to limited parental controls. The rapid expansion of AI toys is largely unregulated, leading to calls for urgent scrutiny. As AI becomes more integrated into childhood experiences, society must grapple with balancing innovation and safety. Challenges remain in ensuring that children’s interactions with AI do not hinder their social development.
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