Updated: December 26, 2015
Originally Published: March 25, 2015
Meet the latest addition to the doll aisle—Cautionary Barbie! This high-tech toy is equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities that link to a server, allowing it to not just chat with your little one but also retain information for future conversations. Imagine Barbie recalling names of your child’s pets, favorite pastimes, and other fun facts your kid has shared. It’s like having Siri in doll form, complete with a memory and, let’s be honest, the watchful ears of a major toy corporation. Mattel assures us they won’t use your child’s conversations for marketing or product ideas. Feeling better about that?
But wait, it gets even more interesting! Mattel also suggests they might let parents listen in on these recordings, so now not only can the toy company eavesdrop, but so can you! Understandably, many parents are expressing concern, primarily about privacy issues. It’s quite amusing to think about privacy in our current age dominated by social media. Does it even exist anymore? With kids’ photos, quotes, and accomplishments plastered all over their parents’ social media accounts—accessible to the public and Mattel alike—maybe what parents really need is to rebrand this chatty doll. Why not give her a fitting career to match her skills? We’ve got News Anchor Barbie, Dentist Barbie, and so many others; how about Tattletale Barbie or Snitch Barbie? Secret Agent Superspy Barbie has a nice ring to it too. Problem solved!
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In summary, Cautionary Barbie is a conversation-starting toy that raises important questions about privacy in a digital age. While Mattel reassures parents about data use, the rebranding of this doll could help ease concerns and spark creativity in imaginative play.