Our children’s first experiences of comfort and learning are increasingly shaped by algorithms, not just human relationships. From AI-powered Barbie dolls to baby monitors that promise to soothe your child with predictive algorithms, the next generation of parenting tools raises urgent questions about privacy, ethics and the boundaries of care.
 

In this timely and provocative conversation with futurist Faith Popcorn, we explore how families can thoughtfully navigate the rise of AI companions—balancing the promises of convenience and safety with the deeper responsibilities of human connection, values transmission and privacy protection. Looking ahead, how will families evaluate technology wisely and shape it ethically ensuring AI tools uplift rather than replace our essential roles as caregivers and guides?

Known for her work forecasting major social trends and consumer behavior changes, Faith has long focused on the emotional and human consequences of technological progress. In this conversation, she helps us step back from the hype and fear around AI and ask deeper questions: not just what technology can do for us, but what it should do — and where human care, judgment and emotional presence must remain non-negotiable. 

Why this matters:

→ Our children’s earliest experiences of comfort, learning and emotional feedback are increasingly mediated by technology. The rise of AI caregivers challenges families to define what authentic human connection looks like in an age of algorithmic empathy. 

→ Privacy is no longer just a tech issue — it’s a childhood development issue. The question isn’t whether AI will help raise the next generation, it’s whether we will stay conscious enough to decide how.

→ Convenience always comes with tradeoffs. Families will need to weigh where technology genuinely supports development, and where it risks replacing critical experiences like frustration tolerance, imagination, and human-led emotional regulation.