Intuitive Psychology in an AI Age: The Evolving Landscape of Child Development in the Presence of Artificial Intelligence

Article


Clarke, Samuel, Roux, Rian, Wang, Huiwen and Laskova, Ksenija. 2025. "Intuitive Psychology in an AI Age: The Evolving Landscape of Child Development in the Presence of Artificial Intelligence." Frontiers in Educational Practice and Research. 1 (2), pp. 90-104. https://doi.org/10.55578/fepr.2509.008
Article Title

Intuitive Psychology in an AI Age: The Evolving Landscape of Child Development in the Presence of Artificial Intelligence

Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsClarke, Samuel, Roux, Rian, Wang, Huiwen and Laskova, Ksenija
Journal TitleFrontiers in Educational Practice and Research
Journal Citation1 (2), pp. 90-104
Article Number3
Number of Pages14
Year2025
PublisherNexus Press
ISSN3051-2670
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.55578/fepr.2509.008
Web Address (URL)https://www.nexus-press.com/journal/FEPR/article/2390
Abstract

This article examines intuitive psychology, the subconscious ability to infer others' emotions and beliefs, its development in children, and the impact of AI. As AI becomes an "external other," children encounter new social dynamics, influencing their understanding of mental states, social cognition, and critical thinking. AI systems like chatbots and robots mimic human responses, raising concerns about distinguishing real from artificial interactions. While AI offers developmental opportunities, it also presents challenges related to empathy, digital literacy, and over-reliance. The paper proposes a comparative study of children in North Yorkshire, UK, and South East Queensland, Australia, to explore AI's effects. It highlights ethical issues, such as AI bias and evolving human-AI relationships, emphasising the importance of responsible AI integration to support children’s social and emotional growth.

KeywordsComparative Study; Intuitive Psychology; AI; Child Development; Theory of Mind; South East Queensland; North Yorkshire
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020520101. Child and adolescent development
520102. Educational psychology
390202. History and philosophy of education
Byline AffiliationsYork St John University, United Kingdom
University of Southern Queensland
Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom
Communication University of China, China
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
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https://research.usq.edu.au/item/1001v9/intuitive-psychology-in-an-ai-age-the-evolving-landscape-of-child-development-in-the-presence-of-artificial-intelligence

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