Why Children Treat LLM Chatbots Like Human Friends
Anthropomorphism in Children's Interactions with LLM Chatbots
I analyzed 35 studies to understand why children assign human traits to LLM chatbots. My review reveals that features like human-like personas and supportive companionship drive this anthropomorphism. The results show children forming social ties and navigating complex moral responses, highlighting both the benefits and risks for future child-focused AI design.
Children exhibit paradoxical social and moral responses while forming varying social ties and exploring social boundaries with these digital companions.