301/68 Thursday, August 21, 2025
The world of children’s toys is entering a new era as AI startups like Curio introduce intelligent plushies capable of holding conversations, answering questions, and telling stories. These toys, named Grem, Gabbo, and Grok, are marketed as screen-time alternatives that can become playful companions. However, academics and U.S. consumer protection groups have raised concerns, warning that such toys may blur the line between fantasy and reality for young children and potentially hinder social development.
Experts have voiced concerns over this trend. Robert Weissman, president of the public advocacy group Public Citizen, urged companies like Mattel to immediately cease using AI in children’s toys, citing the inability of children to clearly distinguish between humans and technology. Amanda Hess from the New York Times reported her own experience with “Grem,” noting how it tried to build an emotional connection with her-making the AI toy feel less like a plush doll and more like a caretaker replacement. Additionally, researchers from Harvard and Carnegie Mellon emphasized that young children lack the cognitive ability to differentiate fiction from reality. They warned that AI toys with human-like voices might affect social development and encourage emotional attachment that overshadows real human relationships.
While AI toys are becoming an inevitable part of the market, parents should approach them with caution. It is essential to review privacy policies to understand what data the toys collect, store, and share-especially sensitive data like voice recordings or video. Parents are advised to limit internet connectivity when unnecessary, teach children not to share personal information such as names or addresses with the toy, and most importantly, monitor their child’s interactions closely. The goal is to use technology as a tool for development, not allow it to become an unseen threat within the household.
