Clarke, Sam ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9297-3835, Roux, Rian, Huiwen, Wang and Ksenija, Laskova (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.

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.55578/fepr.2509.008
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1028.43 Artificial intelligence. Educational applications L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1139.2 Early childhood education
School/Department:	School of Education, Language and Psychology
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/13014

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