It’s time to demand AI that is safe by design
Key Points
- AI is forming deeper emotional bonds with users, raising dependency concerns.
- Child‑focused AI toys and companions need safety built in, not added later.
- Workplace adoption will prioritize verification and trust over raw performance.
- Originality will become a premium asset as generative AI floods the market.
- AI literacy is expected to become a baseline skill for many professionals.
AI experts say the next year will be defined by trust, emotional attachment, and safety by design. They warn that AI’s growing role in mental‑health, children’s toys, and workplace tools raises new risks. Developers will need to prove reliability rather than just showcase performance, and creators will see originality become a premium asset as generative models flood the market.
Trust and Emotional Attachment
Experts note that AI is moving from a pure productivity tool to an entity that mimics listening, reassurance, and human‑like response. This shift creates deeper emotional bonds, especially as people turn to chatbots for therapy‑style support. While such tools can fill gaps in mental‑health access, the emotional weight they carry raises concerns about dependency and overpromising capabilities.
Child Safety Becomes a Priority
AI companions and toys aimed at children are drawing attention because many systems are engineered to cultivate strong emotional bonds as a retention strategy. Critics argue that surface‑level guardrails are insufficient; instead, AI must be built safe by design to protect kids from harmful content and unhealthy dependencies.
Proof Over Performance in the Workplace
In professional settings, the conversation is shifting from "Can AI do this?" to "Should I trust the result?" Companies are expected to focus on verification, source transparency, confidence indicators, and human review. AI literacy is projected to become a baseline skill comparable to digital or media literacy.
A Reality Check for Creativity
While generative AI can produce endless content, experts predict a recalibration of expectations. Originality will become scarce and valuable, prompting creators to use AI for scaling and repurposing rather than for the core creative spark. Brands that maintain a unique voice are expected to thrive.
Looking Ahead
The coming year will see continued model launches and viral features, but the substantive shifts will revolve around trust, safety, and the balance between augmentation and dependence. Stakeholders are urged to demand AI that is accountable, safe by design, and genuinely useful in real‑world contexts.