AMTIFY™

  ≈  “Fool Me Once” - Toys and AI  ≈ We received a surprising number of interesting emails after our last blog, “AI as Friends,” which basically asked, perhaps uncomfortably, whether stuffed animals should be your child’s besties. The responses ran the full spectrum, exactly as you’d expect. Some were in complete agreement, some landed in the “yes, but…” category, and a few were firmly in the kids should interact with AI early, while their brains are most absorbent camp. There were even a handful of “Wait… they can do that?” reactions. And honestly, that’s all good. Anything that sparks real discussion is worth writing about. Love it huh :) Having just past the heart of gift-giving season , we thought it was a good time to build on that interest and talk specifically about children and interactive AI toys . Full transparency: this blog is essentially the result of a discussion between me and… me. We’ve known each other a long time. Our thoughts are informed by research...

  AI, Babies, and Holiday Gifts. At what age should a child have a phone or smart device? The “accepted rule” seems to be 12–13, but almost half of the kids now get them at 10. But how about if I suggested birth? Maybe a month old? No? Silly question? Not really. Because ready or not, technology, and especially AI, is marching straight into your child’s life this year through Holiday gifts that blur the line between toy and "bestie". “Child’s play” is about to go through an existential transformation, and parents should think before they jump into the abyss. Here’s a blurb lifted straight from one AI-toy product page: “Through your child’s regular interactions with it, (cuddly toy) will develop its own unique personality. The depth of its emotional expression makes (cuddly toy) an advanced AI robot that offers a rich bond of companionship and comfort for your child.”  And the ads insist your child will bond with it for life.  For life. Cuddly Toy that creates a friends...