Tracy Mumford

Snakes with mermaid tails.

Warped faces.

Extra body parts.

The Times reviewed more than 1,000 videos being recommended to kids and found that YouTube's algorithm is often pushing this nonsensical content.

The videos are often short, just 30 seconds or so.

Some of them claim to teach things like the alphabet, but they're riddled with misinformation and incoherent narratives.

And while there are not many studies yet on how short-form media affects young children, one developmental psychologist told The Times that the videos move too rapidly for kids under five, whose attention systems are still developing.

Other experts worry that the sheer volume of these videos will displace more quality content that has educational benefits.

Some channels are churning out these AI videos at a rate of multiple clips a day, and many have a million-plus views.

All those views can rake in profits for the owners of the channels.

When The Times asked YouTube about the videos and shared some as an example, the platform then suspended those accounts from appearing on YouTube Kids.

The Times also talked to some parents.

They say it's hard to keep AI videos out of their kids' feeds.

They're left trying to figure out the motives of who made them, especially when the videos claim to be educational.

One mom said she has to wonder, is it that they're really wanting to help, or is it that they're trying to grab your kids' attention?

Those are the headlines.

I'm Tracy Mumford.

We'll be back tomorrow.

From The New York Times, it's The Headlines.

I'm Tracy Mumford.