Experts warn Mattel's AI toy plans could harm children

In a recent announcement, toy manufacturer Mattel revealed a partnership with OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT into their products, igniting a controversy over the potential impact on children's well-being. This collaboration was announced a few weeks ago, leading to serious concerns from child welfare advocates about integrating artificial intelligence into children's toys. Critics argue that children lack the cognitive ability to distinguish between reality and play, heightening the risks associated with human-like interactions with AI. Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, emphasized that such technology could undermine social development and hinder peer relationships among children. As concerns about the psychological effects of chatbots like ChatGPT grow, experts caution that these technologies could possibly inflict harm, especially on vulnerable users. The phenomenon known as