Video: Curiosity, frustration and antipathy: How kids play with AI toys

Researchers at the University of Washington observed how children interact with AI-enabled toys, finding that the devices often provoke a spectrum of responses ranging from genuine curiosity to deep frustration. The study highlights how technical limitations and unpredictable responses can cause children to anthropomorphize these toys, leading to confusion or social irritation when the AI fails to meet their expectations. These findings suggest that developers must improve consistency and social awareness in child-focused AI to prevent negative play experiences.