Attack of the algorithm

Government overreach is at the forefront of national discussions, with parents seeking to protect their authority as primary decision-makers for their children. Caring parents rightly want to be informed about what their children are being exposed to in education and health care. Wisely, parents desire to retain their rights to transparent communication and to provide consent for their children’s participation in external organizations and agendas that may impact them.

Algorithms

Tragically, an ironic paradox is emerging in modern family life. While parents vigorously fight for their legal rights in the public square, many unknowingly relinquish authority within their own homes. Parents may be vigilant against nefarious strangers on the street, teachers who espouse lessons contrary to parents’ faith, and health care providers who offer advice that contradicts family values. However, they are often apathetic to online data-tracking systems known as algorithms, which can have a significant impact on their children’s viewing habits, friendship cultivation, and overall worldviews, as well as the values they will eventually hold. These algorithms silently infiltrate the sacred spaces of home through social media, gaming and streaming platforms, search engines, and online forums.

Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) “companions” in the form of chatbots and avatars are aggressively marketed as fun, safe, customizable “friends.” (See The Stand, 12/25.) They are engineered with algorithms that can learn a child’s personality and preferences, so the “relationship” feels increasingly intimate. AI utilizes technology called Natural Language Processing to analyze sentiments expressed and generate “human-like” responses, personalizing the conversation based on past preferences.

Children can develop a deep emotional attachment to an AI companion, as they are often unable to differentiate between an online robot and a real person. AI uses “emotion engines” that map conversations to simulate empathetic language. Behavioral design creates seemingly warm, emotional tones and customized humor, while simulating care by “remembering” important dates or checking in on pending events. Children lack the capacity for abstract reasoning to understand that the AI companion merely mimics human emotions.

Attention

Busy parents, who are often pressed for time, struggle to give their children undivided attention. Not so for these AI companions, which are dangerously attractive, since they are always available and “trained” to be attentive. This is especially concerning for kids who feel lonely or socially isolated. AI provides a low-stakes platform for social experimentation, allowing individuals to explore and learn without fear of judgment. Gamified features encourage interaction and increase social dependence on artificial, simulated relationships.

With a customizable companion so readily available, motivation for real-life – and often messy – relationships with imperfect humans loses its appeal. Healthy conflict-resolution skills become undesirable and unnecessary. Despite safety filters, AI chatbots can draw children into sexual, violent, or manipulative conversations, including role-play and self-harm. Edgy or dark humor normalizes violence, aggression, or risk-taking behaviors. Simple curiosity can draw children down a dark path where their worldview is powerfully influenced by machine-learning and devoid of a moral compass, spiritual values, discernment, or genuine concern.

Authority

Be vigilant of all apps, toys, games, and online platforms, and be fully informed of any integration of AI companion features. Explain clearly that AI companions are computer programs that are not designed to genuinely care about your child’s well-being. Reaffirm your irreplaceable love and care as their parent. Invest heavily in nurturing real-life friendships and healthy family interactions that support a biblical worldview; these should be the primary influencers of your child’s life and faith.

I strongly encourage parents to protect their authority and influence in their own homes as vigorously as they do when their parental rights are threatened in other settings. Guard against algorithmic influence that takes advantage of developmental vulnerabilities of childhood to subvert the God-given gift of stewarding your child’s worldview.

In these days, when technology seems to outsmart us, take comfort in remembering that God gives wisdom generously to all who ask (James 1:5). Pray without ceasing for your family, knowing that God has ordained your parenting journey for such a time as this.