Our Kids and AI: Watching a New Digital World Unfold

Our Kids and AI: Watching a New Digital World Unfold

Lately, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about the world our kids are growing up in. It feels like every year, sometimes every month, there’s some new leap forward in technology, something that changes how we work, learn, communicate, and even how we think. When I look at my children, I realise they’re standing right at the forefront of that change. They’re growing up side by side with artificial intelligence, with technology that’s learning, adapting, and talking back.

The other day, I noticed my daughter using an AI, simply typing away and reading the responses. Users can create their own characters or chat with ones made by others, using text or voice. I didn’t really understand it at first. My mind went to all the usual parental worries: Is this safe? Who are they talking to? What kind of content is there? The word “AI” alone sounds a bit intimidating if you haven’t kept up with what’s happening in that world. So I did what any slightly concerned parent does: I started researching.

I read forums, I joined conversations with other parents who were just as puzzled as I was, and I dug into what these platforms actually are. From what I’ve gathered, these AI websites are where users can chat with characters, not real people, but AI-created personalities. Some are modelled after fictional characters, celebrities, or even completely made-up beings. The AI responds and “chats back,” and the more it’s used, the more it learns how to respond like that character.

At first glance, it all sounds a bit strange…. Kids sitting there chatting away with a bot, giggling at the responses, or pouring out their thoughts to something that isn’t real. But then again. I thought about it more deeply, and maybe this isn’t as foreign as it first seems.

The Digital Playground

For our kids, the internet isn’t something they “log into.” It’s just part of life. Just like we once played out in the street or spent hours talking on the landline phone with friends, they live a chunk of their social lives online. And AI is just becoming another part of that playground.

When I was growing up, we had phone boxes and VHSs. The most “interactive” technology we had might have been a Furby, and even then, he wasn’t much company! But for today’s kids, technology isn’t just a tool; it’s an experience. They create with it, talk to it, learn from it, and sometimes even find comfort in it.

From what I’ve seen and read, many kids use this type of AI for a simple reason: it gives them an outlet. It’s a way to talk, to explore ideas, to express emotions without feeling judged. Some use it for fun, chatting to a favourite fictional character or making up silly stories. Others might use it to practise social interaction or even work through feelings they can’t quite express out loud yet.

It made me stop and think, maybe this isn’t so much about AI taking over, but about kids finding new ways to connect in a world that’s changing faster than ever.

The Worries We Can’t Ignore

Of course, as a parent, the worry never really goes away. Whenever technology is involved, especially something that talks back, we start to question what’s really happening behind the screen. Who’s moderating the content? What are these bots saying back? Could a child be exposed to something inappropriate or manipulative?

The truth is, yes, there are risks. AI models, even the good ones, aren’t perfect. They can sometimes generate strange or confusing responses. Some platforms have filters, some don’t. And unlike talking to a friend or a teacher, it’s not always easy for a child to understand why an AI might say something odd or wrong.

This is why it’s so important for parents to stay curious, not fearful, but curious. We can’t shield our kids from every new app or piece of technology that comes along, but we can guide them through it. We can ask questions, show interest, and keep the lines of communication open. Instead of simply banning something because it’s unfamiliar, maybe we can explore it with them.

When I sat down and looked at this AI platform myself, I started to see what the draw was. It wasn’t sinister, it was imaginative. You can have a conversation with Sherlock Holmes, or a fictional best friend, or even a motivational coach. It’s storytelling, conversation, and creativity all rolled into one.

Still, I reminded myself, balance is key. Just because it’s not dangerous doesn’t mean it replaces human interaction. Kids still need real friendships, real laughter, and face-to-face connection. AI might be clever, but it can’t offer empathy, shared experience, or the warmth of another human being. That’s something we as parents and adults still need to nurture.

Growing Up Alongside AI

What’s fascinating is that our children won’t just be using AI, they’ll be shaping it. The way they interact with it now will influence how it evolves in the future. They’ll grow up expecting technology to be conversational, intuitive, and creative.

And while that can feel overwhelming, it’s also exciting. Think about it, we’re living through a technological revolution. In our lifetime, we’ve gone from dial-up internet to smart homes, from bulky desktop computers to wearable devices, and now to AI that can chat, create art, and even engage in creating stories.

Our kids aren’t intimidated by this. They’re naturally adapting. They don’t separate ‘online’ from ‘real life’; to them, it’s all part of one connected world.

So, as parents, maybe the best thing we can do right now is to stay open. To keep learning alongside them. To explore this new world together, hand in hand, instead of standing on the sidelines watching it unfold with fear.

The future is coming fast, but maybe, just maybe, our kids are the ones best equipped to lead us into it.

What about you?

Have your kids started using AI chat platforms or similar apps? Do you understand why they’re drawn to it, or does it still feel like a mystery? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Because at the end of the day, we’re all figuring this out together.

About me

I am a married mother of four children. One of those four children is our granddaughter, for whom we are SGO (legal guardians)/kinship carers. I run a small business and enjoy writing, so I blog. My blog focuses on my family life as well as my experiences of living with chronic illnesses and disabilities such as ME/CFS, spinal stenosis, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia.  Oh, and I am only in my mid-40s.