When George Orwell wrote 1984, little did we know it would resonate so deeply with us a few decades later. If you wonder what Orwell’s nightmarish novel has to do with photography, I suggest you take a hard look at the state of the world. Not only is technology being used for government surveillance of marginalized communities, but it is also advancing rapidly, signaling a concerning trend. To make matters worse, artificial intelligence has seeped through the cracks and now affects every part of the world, including photography. Even worse, camera companies now use this technology for children: an AI camera designed for kids.
MyFirst’s Introduction to AI Camera
One of the leading companies for children’s cameras, myFirst, has introduced the world’s first device with AI, Camera 50. Targeted at kids as young as 5 to 12, the AI camera comes with a 20MP rear wide-angle lens and a 20mm macro lens. The report, first appearing on Digital Camera World, notes that the AI feature helps children “turn everyday moments into creative masterpieces.” It means that AI is used to create curations, edit instruments, and enhance images and videos. However, unlike Photoshop, the feature is more about adding stickers, drawings, and voice notes. In addition, the AI will also examine the content, facial expressions, scenery, and colors, which can help children make stories with minimal effort.
If you think that is not bad enough, then here are a few more features: a Circle App for sharing their images in a ‘controlled’ environment and an AI myDiary feature that gives computer prompts children to ‘encourage self-expression’. As per myFirst founder G-Yay Young, “This camera is designed to help the kids document their life and make it easier for video editing through our all-new AI-assisted curation.”
Why is myFirst’s AI Camera So Problematic?
My first thought after seeing this was: Are we raising a generation of robotic photographers? The device is designed to help you choose the best images. In short, it means your child will not use emotions or critical thinking while selecting a photo; instead, they will depend on an algorithm. They are being taught at a young age how to see, choose, and edit a photograph, with little to no effort in understanding the medium through human interaction or emotions. Instagram, for instance, is already achieving this for adults but showing you more curated photographs. Basically, homogenized of diverse groups. It is training your way of understanding the world. You may be able to see through the farce, but a child as young as 5 may not.
Even worse is the Circle App feature for sharing photographs, encouraging other children to join the fray. So, if you give your child an AI camera, they may simply get influenced by their peers and beg you to buy one. Despite parental control, AI is dictating what is shared or seen. Last but not least, the AI diary is problematic. Why does a child need prompts to write about how they feel?
Here’s How to Train Your Child In Photography
Like any art form, photography can only be taught if the child shows interest in the medium. So, if you see your kid reaching for the camera, here are a few things you can teach them.
- Let them get curious. Inquisitiveness is the most significant point in your child’s photographic journey. See what gets them excited. Once they start gravitating towards a particular subject, ask them what they like about it. This line of questioning will help them better comprehend themselves.
- Get a simple device: We have reviewed plenty of cameras for children, and here is a curated list that can help you choose the perfect device for your child. Remember, you need a high-quality camera that doesn’t rely on gimmicks or machine learning to teach your children how to see the world.
- Teach them basics: Ensure you do not get too technical while showing this. Aperture and shutter speed are some terms that simply may not be understood at such a young age. However, you can illustrate ways to frame, using contrast and colors or even shifting focus. Moreover, tell them that while these are the ‘rules, ‘ they can break them if they think they can capture a more pleasing image. Thus, they will learn to trust their gut.
- Show them the works of great photographers: This is crucial when teaching children photography. Kids are emotive and sensitive, so when you show them work, interact with them. Ask them what they like or dislike about the photographs. Such steps can help them train their eyes and develop their critical thinking. Show them the works of women photographers, too, which can have a different impact than the images of male artists. Also, visit exhibitions of contemporary photographers.
- Select and print: A photograph is not complete unless you print the image. So, give your little ones the task of choosing their best images and making prints. This physicality of the picture can assist them in becoming more in tune with the world and understanding what worked for their photographs.
- Give them a challenge: This could involve instructing them to document a day in their life, create a photo story, or capture images featuring only a specific color. Keep the task simple but intuitive. This way, they can become more confident in their approach.
- Introduce creative filters: You can make photography fun by taking editing up a notch, especially when they have understood the basics. Such practices can make them more creative.
- Keep a photography diary: Some of the greatest photographers would keep a diary of their photographs. It meant that they would record the time of the day and the place and even imagine the ‘perfect shot’ by simply observing their surroundings. Your child, too, can compel themselves to ‘make’ a photograph.
- Be positive: In the end, you must teach your child to make images from a place of love and joy. Your criticism must be positive so they return to you to learn more. At the same time, acknowledge the importance of loving their work enough to not be bothered by the negativity. Art, after all, is subjective.
With these steps, your child will slowly appreciate the art of photography instead of being bogged down by algorithms. The coming generation is very important for us, as they can propel the medium to do better in a world that is increasingly being driven by machines.