Survey: Millennial parents comfortable with AI driving, caring for and teaching Generation Alpha kids

Millennial parents say they'd be less nervous about their kids in a self-driving car than their teens driving the car.

A recent survey from the professional group IEEE looks at looks at how millennials think their Generation Alpha children will be impacted by growing up with AI technology.Generation Alpha — kids born 2010–25 — is expected to be the most tech-infused demographic and AI technologies are likely to infiltrate nearly every aspect of kids' lives.

A survey from the tech professional group IEEE titled "Generation AI: A Study of Millennial Parents of Generation Alpha Kids" offers insight into how millennial parents feel about AI technology.

Parents are less worried if AI is behind the wheel

Millennial parents of Generation Alpha kids are slightly more nervous about their child driving for the first time alone — 31 percent — than their child riding in a self-driving car alone for the first time — 25 percent.

AI, not kids, preferred by millennial parents for care

Experts say AI will power smart devices in the home that support physical, emotional social and mental health, from monitoring and assistive devices like intelligent walkers to robot-assisted dressing.

About two-thirds of millennial parents — 63 percent — would rather have AI help them live independently in their golden years. Just 37 percent prefer to rely on their own children, the study found.

AI pets and nannies in the family

AI is powering pet robots that can identify, greet, obey and entertain the family.

Nearly half — 48 percent — of millennial parents of Generation Alpha kids say they would be likely to get a robot pet instead of real pet if their child asked for one, according to the survey.

In addition, fathers — 55 percent — are more likely than mothers — 42 percent — to get a pet robot for their kids.

About 40 percent of millennial parents of Generation Alpha kids say they would likely supplement or replace a human nanny with a stay-at-home robo-nanny to help care for their children.

AI and parenting

Millennials are using apps, interactive screens and artificial intelligence-powered devices that 44 percent say increases their focus as parents.

Two out of five millennial parents of Generation Alpha kids have either complete or a great deal of trust in AI to help diagnose and treat their kids if they become sick.

Also, a majority of millennial parents — 80 percent — say AI technology increases their expectations that their Generation Alpha babies will learn faster and more than they did.

And 74 percent say they would consider an AI-powered tutor for their child.

Get a job, eventually

About three-quarters of millennial parents of Generation Alpha kids say they will encourage their child to consider studying and pursuing a career in engineering, including engineering AI technology.