Children and artificial intelligence - Why caution is advised when using voice assistants in children's rooms: Our lives and our everyday lives have been fundamentally changed by digitalization in recent years. Voice assistants such as Alexa from Amazon, Siri from Apple or the Google Assistant can now be found in many households. But are these technologies really suitable for all age groups? In this article we would like to address the possible dangers of voice assistants for children and clarify why these devices cannot yet be recommended for the youngest members of our society.
Data protection and privacy when using voice assistants
An important aspect when using voice assistants is data protection. These devices are constantly receptive and process the spoken word to respond to instructions and questions. There is a risk that children's personal information and conversations will also be recorded and possibly passed on to third parties. Parents should therefore think carefully about whether they want to potentially jeopardize the protection of their children's privacy by using such devices.
Not age appropriate
Voice assistants are not specifically geared towards children in terms of their functionality and communication. This can result in device responses and reactions that are not age-appropriate and expose children to inappropriate content. For example, search results could appear on topics that are inappropriate for children, or assistants could respond to questions with inappropriate answers.
Lack of educational value
Even if voice assistants can provide helpful information in some cases, it cannot be assumed that they offer any educational added value for children. On the contrary, too much dependence on these devices can affect children's independence and problem-solving abilities. Instead of relying on advice from friends, family members, or teachers, children may tend to rely solely on their digital helpers.
Limited social interaction
Using voice assistants can result in children spending less time in real conversations and social interactions. Especially in childhood, it is important to develop communication skills and learn social skills. Too much focus on the use of digital assistants can harm these important aspects of child development.
Conclusion: Despite the convenience and seemingly endless possibilities that voice assistants offer, parents should carefully consider whether they want to use this technology for their children. Privacy concerns, lack of age appropriateness, lack of educational value and limited social interaction are just some of the risks associated with using Alexa, Siri and Co. It is important that parents are aware of these risks and take appropriate measures to protect their children and promote their development.
Restricting access to voice assistants and limiting their use to certain situations and times is one possible approach. Alternatively, parents can look for child-friendly alternatives that are specifically tailored to children's needs and have appropriate safety features. Examples of this are the Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition or the Google Assistant Kids Mode.
Parents should consider talking to their children about using technology and digital devices responsibly. This can help children better understand the advantages and disadvantages of voice assistants and learn to use them sensibly and safely.
Parents and caregivers must help find the right balance between the use of technology and the development of social and communication skills. This is the only way to ensure that children can develop into self-confident, competent and responsible people despite the increasing digitalization of our world.
In keeping with the topic at “schau-hin.info”
Alexa & Co.: Not yet suitable for the children's room
Due to the fast pace of such voice assistants, certain points may have changed and relate to earlier versions of voice assistants. Nevertheless, it is valuable information and perspectives on the topic.
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )