In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) permeates everyday life, Dr. Dana Suskind’s new book, “Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity & Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI”, addresses the urgent need to safeguard human connections, particularly for young children. Dr. Suskind, a cochlear implant surgeon and professor at the University of Chicago, argues that the pervasive use of screens among caregivers and children alike poses significant risks to the crucial early years of brain development, which rely heavily on human interaction.
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Reflecting on her experiences in the clinic, Dr. Suskind observes that the once vibrant and noisy atmosphere, filled with the sounds of children, now feels eerily quiet. “My clinics used to be these loud, wonderful, chaotic places in the best of ways,” she said. “Suddenly, in the last few years, it’s this eerie quiet.” The realisation that these silent waiting rooms result from screens capturing the attention of both children and their parents has raised alarm bells for her.
Dr. Suskind emphasises that while AI can offer considerable benefits, it may also disrupt critical social interactions that are essential for learning and human connection. She describes this period as the start of an unintentional social science experiment. “This incredible technology can mimic human interaction, which is core to building 85% of a child’s brain in the first three years of life,” she states. “We want technology that bolsters human relationships, not replaces them.”
The book suggests that children learn differently from AI than from human beings. Dr. Suskind explains that, during the crucial early years, children learn through what she calls the “social gate,” a biological filter where real human interactions help shape their understanding of the world. Unlike watching television, interactions with AI could, paradoxically, provide a different form of engagement that potentially opens this gate wider with artificial interactions, which might fundamentally reshape the way children learn.
Suskind elaborates on the problems posed by an AI-driven educational model. She warns that the smooth, stimulating engagement with AI could lead children to view their relationships and the world through an unrealistic lens. “If children grow up with only AI companions, they might expect real relationships to be just as easy and gratifying as their experiences with technology,” she says. The metaphor of a child raised solely on sugary fruit snacks offers powerful insight into this perspective—real human interactions, though less sweet, are essential for genuine relationships.
However, Dr. Suskind does not advocate for a blanket ban on AI. “I believe in technology,” she stated, but she advises parents to use it mindfully. Like processed food, not all technology is created equal; some supports human connection, while others may detract from it. “If we’re not careful, it can disconnect us even more from each other,” she adds, highlighting the balancing act parents face.
In discussing parental responsibilities in navigating AI’s impact on their children, Dr. Suskind stresses that the burden should not fall solely on parents. She calls for greater education and developmentally-aligned principles from tech companies regarding children’s use of AI. “This new powerful technology should not be something parents have to figure out on their own,” she insists, advocating for policy guardrails and clearer guidelines similar to those for safety measures like car seats and medications.
Dr. Suskind introduces a framework, summarised by the acronym HOPE, designed to assist parents in integrating AI responsibly into their children’s lives. It underscores the importance of human connection, embracing imperfections in parenting, protecting early development years, and utilising AI as a complement to real relationships. “The most powerful technology that parents have are themselves,” she asserts.
As society grapples with the implications of AI, Dr. Suskind acknowledges the mixed messages coming even from the creators of this technology. She draws parallels with historical figures like Jonas Salk, suggesting that if those developing AI are hesitant to fully embrace their inventions, others should proceed cautiously.
Despite the challenges ahead, Dr. Suskind remains optimistic about the potential for families to navigate these changes. “We may be at a turning point,” she reflects, suggesting that the longing for connection and understanding in families can ensure a balanced approach to the integration of technology in parenting. With a commitment to maintaining human relationships at the forefront, the future can still hold promise, even in the midst of rapid technological advancement.