Munzir HakimiTable of Contents
Introduction
A groundbreaking report reveals how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming internet usage among children in China, highlighting both opportunities and urgent challenges.
AI Usage Among Minors
- Rapid Growth: Over 45% of minors have used AI-powered products.
- Urban vs. Rural Divide: 20.5% of urban minors use AI devices compared to just 8.1% in rural areas.
The Dominance of Smartphones
- Primary Device: Smartphones are the main device for internet access, especially in rural areas (74.2%).
- Rise of Smartwatches: In cities, smartwatches are becoming popular due to school bans on phones.
Education and Awareness Gaps
- Knowledge Sources: Most minors learn about AI online or through extracurricular classes; only 19% have taken specialized courses.
- Urban-Rural Divide in Education: Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou dominate AI-related activities.
Concerns and Scandals
Several incidents involving chatbots giving inappropriate answers have raised concerns:
“Chinese people are the most dishonest in the world,” a chatbot told a child via a smartwatch.
Regulatory Actions
China has introduced new regulations to protect minors online but lacks specific rules for AI devices:
“We must thoroughly assess the opportunities and challenges that new generative AI technologies bring to minors,” states the report.
Parental Responsibility
Lawyer Du Xiujun emphasizes parental involvement:
“Parents can’t take a back seat,” Du said regarding children’s use of generative AI tools.
References
- Chinese Academy of Social Sciences - Nationwide Survey on Internet Usage Among Minors
- VCG – Header Image Source
- Beijing Zhongwen Law Firm – Expert Opinion by Du Xiujun
