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Emotional artificial intelligence in children’s toys and devices: Ethics, governance and practical remedies

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: This article examines the social acceptability and governance of emotional artificial intelligence (emotional AI) in children’s toys and other child-oriented devices. To explore this, it conducts interviews with stakeholders with a professional interest in emotional AI, toys, children and policy to consider implications of the usage of emotional AI in children’s toys and services. It also conducts a demographically representative UK national survey to ascertain parental perspectives on networked toys that utilise data about emotions. The article highlights disquiet about the evolution of generational unfairness, that encompasses injustices regarding the datafication of childhood, manipulation, parental vulnerability, synthetic personalities, child and parental media literacy, and need for improved governance. It concludes with practical recommendations for regulators and the toy industry.

Source: Big Data & Society

DOI: 10.1177/2053951721994877

Authors: Andrew McStay, Gilad Rosner

Institution: Bangor University

Language: English

Topic: Ethics and Social Impacts of AI

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,750

Funders: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council