AI news story
Some Kids Will Never Think AI Is Cool
“I think it should stand for artificial idiot,” one 9-year-old says. Here’s why kids of all ages are calling AI “disgusting” and “cr…
Editor's take
A recent WIRED report reveals that many children find AI technologies unappealing, labeling them "disgusting" and "creepy" rather than "cool." This sentiment stems from a perceived lack of genuine creativity and an unsettling uncanny valley effect in AI-generated content, as observed by young users.
This disconnect is significant as it highlights a potential generational gap in AI adoption and perception. If the next wave of digital natives views AI with aversion, it could impact future product development, user engagement strategies for companies like OpenAI and Google, and the overall societal integration of AI tools beyond their immediate utility.
Future developments to monitor include whether AI developers can address these qualitative perceptions of "creepiness" by fostering more authentic-feeling interactions or genuinely novel outputs, moving beyond mere mimicry. The emergence of AI specifically designed for younger audiences, or significant shifts in AI's ability to evoke positive emotional responses, will be key indicators of whether this initial aversion can be overcome.