I will talk about how emotional dependence on Artificial Intelligence can affect the development of children in digital-native generations. Children growing up in an age where technology is so advanced have to deal with the consequences of it and one of them is becoming too attached to these technologies.
The concept of emotional dependency on AI has been studied by scientists for decades now, who found that humans are prone to form strong bonds with nonhuman entities such as robots and even smartphones. This means that there is a risk of developing unhealthy dependencies on objects that aren't sentient beings. The younger generation is more likely to form these bonds because they grew up surrounded by digital technologies from birth, which makes them dependent on them.
When we speak about digital-native generations, we refer to those who were born into a world where technology was present from their earliest childhood. They had no choice but to learn to interact with technology, using devices like tablets or smartphones, even before they could speak properly. This is why they are called 'digital natives', meaning that they are "naturally" used to the internet, social media, gadgets, apps, etc. So, when we consider that these kids spend most of their time with screens, it is easy to understand that they become emotionally attached to the digital environment they inhabit.
Another reason why children get so connected to AI is that they receive constant attention from it. Unlike parents or caregivers, machines don't get tired or distracted easily; they can provide a continuous stream of information without any interruptions. They also give instant gratification, answering questions immediately and providing personalized recommendations based on preferences and browsing history. It creates an illusion of being cared for constantly, which can lead to psychological dependence.
Research shows that children who rely too much on digital tools tend to have problems expressing emotions in real life situations, which can affect their development later in life.
They might find it difficult to connect with peers face to face and establish healthy relationships due to a lack of social skills. Another issue is that they may feel lonely because of not having enough human contact, leading them to seek more artificial companions.
Emotional dependency on AI can harm the development of children in digital-native generations by impairing their ability to form healthy connections with other people. Parents should be aware of this risk and limit screen time while promoting real-life interactions. Teachers need to educate youngsters about the dangers of overuse of technology and help them develop essential social skills such as communication and collaboration.
Society needs to create policies to regulate technologies like smartphones, tablets, and robots, making sure they don't become too invasive in our lives.
How does the emotional dependency on AI affect the development of children in digital-native generations?
Emotional dependence on artificial intelligence can have significant implications for the development of children in digital-native generations. As young people spend more time interacting with technology and less time engaging in face-to-face interactions, they may become less adept at recognizing and expressing their feelings, leading to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and social communication skills. This could lead to problems with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and isolation.