In the era of smart technology and AI assistants, children as young as three years old are interacting with voice-activated devices like Amazon’s Alexa and automated cleaning machines like Roomba. According to recent research, kids tend to perceive Alexa as more ‘humanlike’ when compared to Roomba, and the reasons are quite fascinating. The study explores some of the possible factors why kids prefer Alexa over Roomba and sheds light on how we can understand children’s emotional and cognitive responses to technology.
A recent study conducted by developmental psychologists at Duke University aimed to investigate children’s perceptions of smart speakers such as Alexa and autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner Roomba. The study found that children aged 4 to 11 believed Alexa had more human-like emotions and thoughts than Roomba, but they did not think either device should be harmed or yelled at. However, older children did become more accepting of harmful behavior towards technology. The study suggests that children view smart speakers as having emotional capabilities, and raises important questions about the ethical treatment of AI and machines, as well as the role of parents in modeling good behavior towards technology.
In conclusion, the findings of the study suggest that children view Alexa as more human-like than Roomba, despite both devices being voice-activated. This could have significant implications for the development of artificial intelligence and the design of technology geared towards children. As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our daily lives, it is important to understand how individuals, particularly children, interact with these devices. The study highlights the importance of considering the emotional and social needs of children when designing AI devices to ensure that they are safe, engaging and relatable.
