Media and Internet Conference addresses child digital safety

The 16th Media and Internet Conference, organized by the International Child Rescue Service acting as the Safer Internet Centre in Hungary, took place on September 10-11 at the Magyar Telekom headquarters. The event focused on creating a child-friendly digital environment.

Nearly 40 experts discussed topics including artificial intelligence, social media, algorithms, online safety, and children's digital rights. A major theme was the role of AI as a companion rather than just a tool. Experts addressed the emotional impact of 'synthetic relationships' provided by chatbots, noting that while AI companions offer easy accessibility, they may lack the empathy and conflict-resolution skills developed through real human interaction.

Psychologists at the conference outlined levels of AI usage ranging from adaptive to potentially problematic when children turn to AI to satisfy emotional or social needs. Additionally, a Gen Z roundtable provided youth perspectives on the opportunities and risks of AI and its impact on their future careers.