Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Early Childhood Development: Effectiveness, Challenges, and Ethical Issues

Abstract

This article examines the impact of AI-supported early childhood development interventions on children's cognitive, social, and emotional development, while also addressing the ethical considerations associated with these interventions. The review indicates that AI-based tools facilitate children's capacity for problem-solving, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence development by offering tailored learning experiences. In particular, intelligent toys such as Maya and educational apps like Duolingo have been shown to enhance children's cognitive abilities, while robots like Blue Bot have been demonstrated to facilitate the development of social skills. Nevertheless, the ethical implications of AI usage are also significant. The societal impact of these interventions is also contingent upon considerations of privacy and security of children's personal data, as well as the potential for inequality in access to technologies. Additionally, there are potential disadvantages, including the possibility of digital addiction and a lack of human interaction. It would be beneficial for future studies to investigate the long-term efficacy of AI-based interventions and to establish ethical standards for their use. The results of these studies will provide guidance on how technologies can be utilized in a manner that is beneficial to children's development.