Researchers from the University of Cincinnati's College of Arts and Sciences conducted a study involving 41 children aged 5 to 10 who interacted with Miko, a robot that uses generative artificial intelligence (AI) to respond and engage in conversation. The children often believed the AI's statements were true and were excited to interact with the robot, even if they had never encountered one before. This enthusiasm stood in contrast to the concerns of some parents, according to UC assistant professor Kelly Merrill Jr. "The biggest takeaway for me is these children are extremely excited about robots and AI," Merrill said. "AI can be a scary thing for parents." Merrill and his research partner, UC Niehoff Professor Nancy Jennings, shared their findings at the Comm Horizons conference at the University of California, Davis. Both are professors in UC's School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jennings emphasized the importance of teaching AI literacy to children at a young age, so they can understand both the capabilities and the limitations of this emerging technology. "AI is being integrated with every aspect of life," she said. "We will have to educate children at a young age to use critical thinking about the tools and talk through some of their experiences with their parents." Families with young children tend to adopt new technology more quickly, according to Jennings. "It's not surprising they would be the first adopters of social robots and AI agents," she said. "But there are a lot of unknowns about being the first and having those initial experiences." Interactive computer toys became especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing limited group playdates for children. These toys may offer educational benefits, such as helping children practice conversation and improve vocabulary and listening skills. Jennings noted that some children who have limited social outlets outside of school found the robots appealing. "We asked the children after they played with Miko if they considered it to be a toy, a friend or something else," she said. "What was interesting is that some of the children, particularly if they said they had trouble making friends at school, said they really liked talking to Miko. They said it was a friend who wouldn't judge them or make them feel bullied." Some toymakers have faced criticism for not creating sufficient safeguards for young users. Common Sense Media found this year that some AI-powered toys generated content inappropriate for children's age groups. Consumer advocates, such as the nonprofit Public Interest Research Group, have raised concerns about the privacy of children using these devices. UC researchers observed some of Miko's built-in safety features during the study. "If the child started telling a story that was too scary or involved guns, Miko would redirect, 'That sounds scary. Let's do something else,'" Merrill said. "I think it's important to understand that these AI tools are not replacements—they're complements," he added. "We shouldn't be looking to replace people." The researchers noted that AI tools are becoming familiar to the children they interviewed. Merrill said half of the children in the study regularly used AI agents at home. "The most common response I got was that they used AI for music: 'Hey, Siri, play this song' or 'Hey, Alexa,'" he said. As he spoke, the familiar voice of Siri interrupted from his phone: "Now playing 'Deli' from Ice Spice on Apple Music." "Robots are always listening," Merrill mused, highlighting the omnipresence of AI in daily life.