Parenting in the digital environment: comparing digital practices, trust, and AI-related concerns in adoptive and non-adoptive families

Abstract

In recent years, the widespread use of digital technologies and the rapid integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly reshaped family dynamics, influencing how parents guide and supervise their children’s digital interactions. While AI technologies offer considerable educational and social opportunities, they also present significant risks to minors’ safety, privacy, and emotional development. The present study explores AI usage, trust, and perceived risks among 180 parents (87 biological, 93 adoptive), specifically aiming to identify potential differences between these two groups. Results indicated cautious behavior and low trust in AI across both groups, without significant differences. However, adoptive parents reported higher digital literacy and greater involvement in monitoring their children’s online activities. Additionally, qualitative findings highlighted specific concerns among adoptive parents, especially related to unwanted contact with birth families and exposure to emotionally sensitive digital content. The findings underscore the importance of targeted community- based educational interventions to enhance parental skills and confidence in managing AI-related opportunities and risks.