We use collaborative storytelling to compare how children at ages 5-6 create stories with a social AI chatbot, a parent, and AI plus parent co-use. We are coding children’s storytelling for multiple dimensions of creativity (e.g., originality, elaboration, flexibility) to understand how different interaction partners shape children’s imaginative play and learning. We are also recruiting children across a range of social communication abilities, including those with social communication difficulties, to examine whether distinct interaction styles emerge and to identify potential benefits and risks when children interact with social AI. Findings will inform developmentally grounded guidance for families, educators, and designers on how to support safe, beneficial child–AI co-creation.

‍