How is AI already shaping childhood globally, for better or worse?

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AI is already significantly shaping childhood globally, with children adopting the technology at a much faster rate than adults, leading to both opportunities and risks.

New data from 10 countries indicates that children are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies more than three times faster than adults. An estimated 20 million children have engaged with AI, with a notable portion using it for learning and homework, as well as for seeking advice on personal concerns. However, this rapid adoption also exposes children to significant risks, including potential misuse for scams, misinformation, and the creation of deepfakes, while they possess less agency to control or challenge these systems.
Accelerated Adoption of AI by Children

Unicef's findings reveal a striking trend: children are adopting AI technologies at a rate exceeding three times that of adults. At least 20 million children have already interacted with AI, demonstrating a widespread integration of this technology into their lives. This rapid uptake suggests that AI is not a distant concept but a present reality for a substantial segment of the global child population.
AI's Role in Children's Learning and Well-being

A significant number of children are leveraging AI for educational purposes, with an estimated 13 million using it to support their learning and homework. Furthermore, over two million children, representing one in ten surveyed, turn to AI for guidance on issues that worry them, highlighting its emerging role as a source of advice and support. This indicates AI is being integrated into both academic and personal spheres of children's lives.
Heightened Exposure and Reduced Agency

Despite their increased engagement, children are more exposed to AI systems without adequate safeguards. They have less power to avoid or challenge the technology, meaning they are often at the receiving end of its effects with limited recourse. This power imbalance is a critical concern, as children are disproportionately affected by weak AI governance and will bear the long-term consequences.
Emerging Risks and Concerns Among Children

The rapid integration of AI into children's lives is accompanied by significant concerns. A third of the children surveyed expressed worries about AI being used for deceptive practices such as scams, trickery, and the spread of misinformation. Additionally, a quarter of children feared the potential for their images or videos to be manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes, underscoring serious threats to their privacy and safety.

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How is AI already shaping childhood globally, for better or worse?

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