The Economist Hello, this is Alok Jha,
host of Babbage, our weekly podcast on science and technology.
Welcome to Editors Pics.
We've chosen an unmissable article from the latest edition of The Economist.
Please do have a listen.
Christmas stockings may contain more surprises than usual this year,
as children open presents that can talk back.
Toymakers in China have declared 2025 the Year of Artificial Intelligence or AI,
and are producing robots and teddies that can teach, play and tell stories.
Older children, meanwhile, are glued to viral AI videos and AI-enhanced games.
At school, many are being taught with materials created with tools like chat GPT.
Some are even learning alongside chatbot tutors.
In work and play, AI is rewiring childhood.
It promises every child the kind of upbringing previously available only to the rich,
with private tutors.
personalised syllabuses and bespoke entertainment.
Children can listen to songs composed about them, read stories in which they star,
play video games that adapt to their skill level and have an entourage of chatbot friends cheering them on.
A childhood fit for a king could become universal.
It is a future filled with opportunities and hidden traps.