A real Christmas in an artificial age

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology powerhouse that has washed over the world in a tidal wave this year, dominating news stories and infiltrating nearly every element of our daily lives. With little warning, this experimental force is suddenly directing our streaming habits, influencing our purchasing preferences, invading our privacy … and perhaps even trying to take over the holiday season.

Often, we don’t even realize it’s happening.

As you shop for Christmas gifts, be intentional in evaluating products for potential AI integration, which could pose safety risks and privacy invasions.

Smart speakers are often marketed innocuously as music players or homework helpers. But these speakers may collect personal data or employ AI companions.

Stuffed animals, plush toys, robots, and other electronic toys may use AI to hold conversations, learn a child’s preferences, or connect to the internet.

Gaming consoles now integrate AI features, including using algorithms for game suggestions, marketing in-app purchases, or connecting with “friend” suggestions that may be humans or AI bots.

Many toys have accompanying apps that have AI features.

The risks

The risks of AI integration for children are numerous, especially when parents are unengaged or unaware. Careful consideration is warranted for toys that talk back in a personalized way, ask for personal preferences or information, require constant internet connection, or generate an artificial friend. AI-enabled toys can record and store children’s voices, track usage, and collect personal information such as names, ages, and locations.

AI chatbots inside games have the potential to go rogue and lead children in inappropriate or even explicit or violent conversations. Predators, who have seemingly safe labels (such as “gaming buddies”), prowl in online gaming and messaging platforms, seeking to exploit or abuse children through chat invitations.

Algorithmic AI features can influence marketing by urging consumers to buy something that seems to be a “free” feature. Such algorithms also influence children to pressure their parents to purchase a specific toy. More alarmingly, AI chatbots can cultivate a digital dependency for emotional regulation and companionship. When parents are busy, AI companions are always present, always learning to be a better “friend,” and always offering conflict-free relationships that usually cultivate disappointment in real-life interactions.

The responsibility

Before we collectively panic and decide all the kids only get socks and underwear this Christmas, there are some ways we can be intentional about responsible purchasing.

• Do your homework: Research the toy or game carefully to be fully informed of all of its functions. Read ratings or reviews.

• Read the fine print: Look for AI-associated words such as voice activated, AI-powered, smart technology, cloud-connected, internet-enabled, next-level play, or powered by intelligence. Don’t skip through user terms. Read carefully to know what you are consenting to give away.

• Check the settings: Does the toy require creating a profile or gathering personal information? Does it store your child’s image, voice, or likeness? Disable chat features, friend requests, location sharing, voice logging, or any other option for which you can limit information sharing.

• Use smart boundaries: Tech toys should be kept in common areas of the home and out of the bedroom.
Advise your children to tell you immediately if any toy seems to act in a strange or unexpected way that makes them uncomfortable.

This holiday season, resist the urge to center Christmas around the artificial traditions we know too well – artificial trees, fire logs, candles, snow, garland, flavorings, scents … and now, artificial intelligence gifts. Center your heart and your home around the real gift of Christmas – the gift of a Savior born to save the world.

We have a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). That’s a real message of hope to hold onto in an artificial world.