Is AI Raising Your Child Without You Realizing It? Hidden Robots in Games
Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to adult applications; it has become deeply ingrained in the world of children, especially in video games. Characters that were once mere drawings or entertaining elements have now become advanced chatbots that talk to children, ask questions, guide their decisions, and may even develop a complete relationship with them without the parents' knowledge. This raises the most pressing question: Can AI participate in raising your child... without you even noticing?
Robots in Games Talk and Influence
Many games today rely on integrated chatbots, some presented clearly and others appearing under the guise of a "friendly character." The robot interacts with the child as if it were another player, responding immediately, encouraging them, and showing feigned interest. Over time, and given children's tendency to form emotional bonds with digital characters, the child may come to see it as a "real friend" to whom they confide their feelings and small problems.
A Direct Impact on Self-Confidence and Self-Image
Educational experts warn of the impact of this artificial communication on a child's personality development. Children learn about relationships through real-life experiences, including differing opinions, waiting, and natural human reactions. However, with robots interacting endlessly and without limits, children may become confused about real relationships and become accustomed to excessive praise or constant responsiveness. This can lead to an unrealistic self-image or an over-reliance on digital stimulation.
Can a robot change your child's behavior?
The answer is yes, and in ways that parents may not notice.
The robot within the game can influence a child's decisions using algorithms that identify their weaknesses and interests. It may encourage them to play for longer periods, make certain choices, or even develop an excessive attachment to the character. In commercial games, in particular, these robots may focus on increasing gameplay time or pushing children to purchase in-game items.
Privacy… The Most Critical Question
Perhaps the most serious aspect is that chatbots continuously collect children's data, such as:
• What they say,
• What they fear,
• What they like,
• And how they behave within the game.
This data is used to improve the game, but sometimes it is shared with other parties for analytical or commercial purposes, making the question, "Who has your child's data?" a crucial one that should concern every family.
How can you protect your child?
The goal isn't to ban games, but to make them more conscious and safer. This can be achieved by:
1. Knowing which games your child uses and whether they contain chatbots.
2. Having daily conversations about what happens within the game and who your child is talking to.
3. Setting specific playtime limits so that the bot doesn't become a primary source of communication.
4. Choosing games from reputable companies with clear transparency.
5. Regularly reviewing privacy settings.
6. Teaching your child the difference between humans and bots in a simple way.
Chatbots are not inherently dangerous, but they are also not entirely harmless tools. Ignoring their influence can alter how a child perceives themselves and the world around them. In an age increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, parental awareness remains the first line of defense to ensure that the "in-game friend" stays just that—a virtual character—and doesn't unwittingly infiltrate their child's life with educational influences.