In
February, the BBC announced it would create a “Listen with Alexa” series of
bedtime stories to be read to children by Amazon’s virtual assistant through the
company’s Echo and Echo Dot voice-operated smart speakers. Since most voice
assistants don’t feature a screen, some observers view their use as avoiding
the risks excessive screen time poses to healthy social development.
Giving
smart speakers an even bigger role in family life, however, raises concerns
about their replacing some necessary and beneficial interactions with parents
or guardians. In addition to bedtime stories, AI-powered devices may also take
over homework duties. While that could appear a boon to tired working parents,
it also presages a significant shift in family dynamics and how children learn
to interact with others.
Of
course, familiarity with artificial intelligence should also benefit upcoming
generations, as AI will continue growing to play a role in nearly every aspect
of their lives, from home appliances to transportation to their education and
work.
While
most Americans remain positive about AI’s impact, nearly two-thirds predict its
rising use will eliminate more jobs than it creates, according to a Northeastern University/Gallup survey of almost 3,300 U.S. adults conducted last fall. More
than half of respondents said they see it as a greater threat to U.S. jobs over
the next decade than immigration and offshoring.
