WILL AI KILL IMAGINARY FRIENDS?

By Naomi R. Aguiar and Marjorie Taylor

Will we someday have nostalgia for a time when children talked to an imaginary friend instead of an AI companion?

We don’t think so.

With the rise of generative AI tools, the tech industry is unleashing a host of AI-powered toys designed for children. But our research suggests that the AI companions entering children’s social worlds haven’t replaced the imaginary friends that many children create for themselves.

From a tiny fly...