‘My son genuinely believed it was real’: Parents are letting little kids play with AI. Are they wrong?

The article discusses the use of AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, by parents to engage their young children. Some parents believe that AI can spark their child's imagination through personalized stories and generative images. However, scientists are wary of the potential effects of AI on children's creativity. The article highlights the case of a father, Josh, who turned to ChatGPT to help his four-year-old son continue a story about Thomas the Tank Engine, as he needed to do his chores. While the child genuinely believed the AI-generated response was real, some experts express concerns about the impact of AI on children's cognitive development and imagination. The article suggests that the use of AI by parents with young children is a complex issue, with both potential benefits and drawbacks. It highlights the need for further research and guidance on the appropriate use of AI technology in early childhood education and development.