Advantages & Disadvantages of Talking Dolls

Dolls have adjusted with technology and hardly resemble the toys of our parents' time. Some parents, however, believe these advances are harmful. Some people wonder whether talking dolls still facilitate the development of a child.

Disadvantage: Decreased Creativity

According to Diene Levin and Barbara Rosenquest of Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, some parents fear electronic dolls may decrease a child's development rate. Their argument states that electronic dolls create repetition and limit creativity.

Disadvantage: Cost

Talking dolls are costly. The original purchase of the doll, and the batteries to keep the toy working, can cost more than you expect.

Advantage: Common Media

University of Sheffield's Jackie Marsh argues that children can benefit from exposure to popular media from electronic toys. Marsh believes that a child influenced by a common media may connect to other children and related subjects, like music and reading, in future years.

Advantage: Education

Electronic dolls also help children adapt to changing technology. Knowing how to navigate an world busting with technological advances is a valuable tool.

Disadvantage: Malfunction

Electronic dolls also spark controversy over what they say. Fox News once reported a popular baby doll released in 2008 with a defect that caused it to seemingly say incorrect messages. The dolls have since been recalled by the manufacturer.

References

• Electronic Toys: Should We Be Concerned?
• Electronic Toys: Why Should We Be Concerned?
• Fox News: Parents Say Baby Mumbles Pro-Islam Message