Intuitive Psychology in an AI Age: The Evolving Landscape of Child Development in the Presence of Artificial Intelligence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55578/fepr.2509.008Keywords:
Intuitive Psychology, AI, Child Development, Theory of Mind, Comparative Study, North Yorkshire, South East QueenslandAbstract
This article examines intuitive psychology, the subconscious ability to infer others' emotions and beliefs, its development in children, and the impact of AI. As AI becomes an "external other," children encounter new social dynamics, influencing their understanding of mental states, social cognition, and critical thinking. AI systems like chatbots and robots mimic human responses, raising concerns about distinguishing real from artificial interactions. While AI offers developmental opportunities, it also presents challenges related to empathy, digital literacy, and over-reliance. The paper proposes a comparative study of children in North Yorkshire, UK, and South East Queensland, Australia, to explore AI's effects. It highlights ethical issues, such as AI bias and evolving human-AI relationships, emphasising the importance of responsible AI integration to support children’s social and emotional growth.
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