Smart home devices such as Alexa and Google Home are more popular than ever. You can ask these devices questions or even to turn on lights or handle other electronics without ever having to get off the couch or even pick up your phone. The convenience is astounding, but have you ever thought of the way this technology might affect your children?
“In terms of privacy, both Alexa and Google Home are always “listening” to conversations. Once they hear a trigger word — such as “Ok Google” or “Alexa” — the device starts recording the conversation you’re having with it. Then it uploads the conversation to the cloud so it can learn better how to understand you and help you. Both Alexa and Google Home allow you to listen to the conversations, and the companies say you can delete them.”
The Problem With Too Much Technology
While privacy in terms of your family is a concern, there are other issues with an always-active device as well. Your children may come to depend on the device to not only do things for them but also answer their questions rather than researching for themselves or even asking you. Your children may pick up on the way you do away with social normalcies such as saying, “please” and “thank you,” but may not be able to understand the difference between the way you talk to humans and the way you speak to technology. Children may also not understand the way the device is one-sided in answering questions but never carrying on a conversation.
The point is everything is good in moderation. While it’s great your child can grow up in a world full of technology designed to make life easier, the fundamentals of learning should not be forgotten. A machine can’t replace or overrule your parenting. At the end of the day, it’s good for your children to be able to talk to you, ask questions, and even find out answers on their own. Dependence on a robot cannot be an option.
To learn more about these home devices and the effects they may have on your child refer to Alexa, Are You Safe For My Kids?