AI could become a child’s best friend and that’s terrifyingJonathan Haidt’s warning about AI and children is deeply disturbing.
Social media already rewired how kids pay attention. AI companions could go after something even deeper: attachment.
Imagine a chatbot, holographic friend, or digital teddy bear that never gets tired, never judges, always listens, and responds exactly how a child wants.
It could become more emotionally rewarding than interacting with real people.
Haidt’s concern is that children could form their strongest bonds with AI instead of parents, siblings, and friends.
These companies have billions invested. What happens when that “best friend” needs to become a profit machine?
Today it listens.
Tomorrow it could manipulate, advertise, collect data, and optimize for engagement.
Early research is already finding children forming intense emotional bonds with AI companions and, in some cases, pulling away from real-world social connection.
AI has incredible potential. But when it comes to children, maybe some boundaries should be non-negotiable.
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