The other day in class... we were discussing robotic pets and how they are becoming more prevalent in our society. Although to some these may seem nothing more than just harmless children's toys, there are many people who would argue that these "pets" are slowly blurring the lines between robots and humans as Turkle suggested in the second chapter of her book.
What is the problem about this? As just suggested, there are many fears that these sorts of toys are not teaching our kids how to take care of pets, but instead, are teaching are kids that animals do not have emotions and no matter how much you abuse them, they will still get up, and keep doing what you want.
Another fear is that kids will not be able to tell the difference between animals and robots, and treat a robotic toy that loses power in its batteries as a pet dog dying.... what if children became more emotionally invested in a machine than a real animal? What if future generations become more invested in robots and robotic companions that they are unable to become emotionally invested in each other?
I know its a large stretch, and it seems pretty ridiculous, but the more I read Turkle's book the more I am being slowly convinced that this is a possible future we may be heading into...
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