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Volume 8, Issue 12, December – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Education


and Cognitive Development of Young Children
Ahmad Pathan1,*, Asad Ali Kanth2
1
Burn Hall Higher Secondary School, Sonwar, Srinagar, J&K-190001, India.
2
Burn Hall Higher Secondary School, Sonwar, Srinagar, J&K-190001, India.

*Corresponding Authors: Ahmad Pathan

Abstract:- This paper delves into the profound impact of way to interact with their devices. By swiping, users can
Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education, elucidating its easily scroll through content or switch between different
potential in personalized learning, curriculum screens. Tapping allows users to select or activate specific
development, and teacher training. AI-powered systems elements on the screen, such as buttons or icons. Waving
offer tailored educational experiences, enhancing critical hands, on the other hand, can be used for more advanced
thinking and problem-solving skills. However, the gestures, such as controlling a virtual reality game or
integration of AI into children's lives poses challenges, interacting with a motion-sensing device. Overall, these
affecting social skills and emotional intelligence. The actions enhance the user experience by making it more
paper emphasizes the importance of responsible engaging and effortless to navigate through applications or
guidance from parents and educators. Additionally, it games.
discusses the ethical implications of AI, advocating for
AI literacy among young learners. Collaborative efforts In speech-based interactions, children make use of
among stakeholders are crucial to harness the benefits of voice commands or speech recognition technology to
AI while mitigating its risks in shaping the future engage in communication with the AI interface. The AI
generation's minds. system is capable of understanding and appropriately
responding to children's spoken commands or inquiries.
Keywords:- Cognitive Science, Artificial intelligence (AI), Young children who are still in the process of learning to
Social Media, Virtual Assistants, Generative Adversarial read or write can independently access digital content and
Networks. services. This opportunity allows them to engage with
various resources that can support their learning and
I. INTRODUCTION development. They can explore interactive games,
educational apps, and online platforms that offer age-
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to appropriate content. By accessing these digital resources,
significantly impact the education and cognitive young children can enhance their literacy skills, expand their
development of young children. AI technologies, such as knowledge, and foster their curiosity. This access to digital
interactive learning platforms and intelligent tutoring content empowers them to learn at their own pace and
systems, can provide personalized and adaptive learning explore topics that interest them. It provides them with a
experiences for children. These systems can analyze a valuable opportunity to independently navigate the digital
child's strengths and weaknesses, tailoring educational world and engage with educational materials that can
content to their individual needs. This individualized enhance their learning journey. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
approach can enhance the learning process and help children interfaces designed specifically for children often utilize
grasp concepts more effectively. Moreover, AI can assist in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning
the development of critical thinking and problem-solving (ML) algorithms. These algorithms help AI comprehend and
skills. AI-powered educational tools can present children suitably reply to children's commands. They can provide
with challenging tasks and provide immediate feedback, personalized experiences and content recommendations.
encouraging them to think about their mistakes and rectify They are capable of adjusting to a child's preferences,
them. language skills, and level of learning.

AI-powered systems have been developed to help Currently, there is a limited amount of research
young children interact with digital content and services. specifically dedicated to AI’s impact on the educational
These interfaces use various forms of people-computer methodology for young children who have no previous
interactions, including gestures, touch, and speech. The goal understanding of computer programming or robotics.
is to make it easier for children to engage with technology. However, various initiatives are being undertaken to
Moreover, they enable children with limited reading or investigate how AI can be incorporated into early childhood
typing abilities to engage effectively with digital devices. learning systems. Experts and teachers acknowledge the
Actions such as swiping, tapping, or waving hands can be significance of introducing computer science concepts to
used to navigate through applications or games. These young children. This can enhance their computational
actions provide users with a more interactive and intuitive thinking, problem-solving skills, and digital literacy. With

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Volume 8, Issue 12, December – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
the continuous progression and growing accessibility of AI but also accommodates the needs of students who have
technologies, there is a rising enthusiasm for creating AI hearing loss. In addition, artificial intelligence is being used
educational resources. These resources aim to provide tools more and more to enhance scoring and feedback procedures,
and activities that cater to the appropriate age groups of despite issues with ensuring accuracy and reliability in these
young children. The goal of these initiatives is to develop activities. The value of AI in education is expected to reach
interesting and interactive educational experiences. $20 billion by 2027, according to Global Market Insights'
Moreover, AI education programs aimed at young children industry forecast, which is based on the technology's
are being supported by educational institutions, tech enormous potential (Perucica 2022). These algorithms can
companies, and governments. These programs and personalize instructional information to each student's
initiatives are designed to provide children with the unique needs, learning style, and learning pace.
necessary knowledge and skills to understand and engage Additionally, adaptive exams supported by AI can give
with artificial intelligence. Governments are investing in AI students and teachers rapid feedback. This feedback
education initiatives to ensure that their citizens are highlights areas that need more attention and enables
equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven focused interventions.
society.
AI plays a crucial role in curriculum development. It
Overall, the collaboration between educational helps in designing and creating educational materials that
institutions, tech companies, and governments is crucial in are tailored to the needs and learning styles of individual
promoting AI education among young children. students. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can identify
Researchers, educators, and AI experts frequently patterns and trends in student performance, allowing
collaborate to develop and implement innovative strategies educators to make informed decisions about what content to
tailored to the unique needs and abilities of young learners. include in the curriculum. Additionally, AI can provide
As the field continues to develop, it is anticipated that personalized feedback for educators to develop courses that
additional studies will surface to tackle the specific hurdles meet students' changing demands. AI-powered remote
and potential of AI education for young children who lack learning systems and virtual classrooms have revolutionized
prior experience in programming or robotics. This paper education by providing students from all over the world with
aims to review the current trend of adopting AI within the access to top-notch instruction. These innovative
education system, and how such technologies can benefit technologies have created a global community of learners,
children that align with their developmental stage. breaking down geographical barriers and allowing students
to connect and learn together regardless of their location.
We will also discuss ways to mitigate concerns about With the help of AI, remote learning has become more
the excessive involvement of AI in the lives of children. One interactive and engaging. Through these platforms, students
avenue through which AI has penetrated the lives of can collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other,
children is AI-powered smart assistants. The psychological fostering a sense of community and expanding their
impact of such technologies on children is vastly researched knowledge beyond traditional classroom boundaries. AI-
and demands immediate attention. Besides highlighting the enabled intelligent tutoring systems are virtual tutors for
involvement of AI in the growth and development of students. They provide explanations, direction, and support
children in the education sector, we will also review AI’s in real-time. These programs encourage independent study.
impact in shaping their cognitive abilities through AI- They provide students with the power to direct their
powered technologies and social media platforms like learning.
Facebook and Instagram. AI-powered technologies are
igniting an unprecedented upheaval in the manner in which AI has made significant advancements in the field of
we raise our children. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of language learning and translation. It has facilitated the
various direct and indirect factors is being undertaken in this development of interactive language apps that provide an
paper to shed light on the ever-growing significance of enhanced learning experience. Additionally, AI has
Artificial Intelligence in shaping our children’s minds. contributed to the improvement of speech recognition
software, making it more accurate and efficient. These
II. AI AND ITS IMPACT ON THE EDUCATION advancements in AI have also resulted in better cross-
SYSTEM cultural communication, as language barriers can be
overcome with the help of translation tools powered by AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds the potential to technology. Moreover, technologies like AI-powered
revolutionize education and advance human learning in educational simulations and games are designed to
unimaginable ways. Personalized learning is a significant encourage critical thinking and active learning in pupils.
contribution to the educational sector made by AI. Learning These innovative tools utilize artificial intelligence
experiences can be made more efficient and interesting by technology to create interactive and engaging learning
utilizing AI algorithms. One of the best examples of AI- experiences. By immersing students in virtual environments,
driven learning software is Knewton, which can spot these simulations and games provide opportunities for
cognitive gaps and adapt learning materials to suit the needs hands-on exploration and problem-solving. Through these
of individual users. Similar to Google Translate, Microsoft's activities, students can develop their critical thinking skills
Presentation Translator employs algorithms to offer real- by analyzing information, making decisions, and evaluating
time translation in more than 60 languages during outcomes. Additionally, these tools promote active learning
presentations. This software not only increases accessibility by encouraging students to actively participate and engage

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Volume 8, Issue 12, December – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
with the content, rather than passively receiving pupils at an early stage. It also allows them to put in place
information. the right interventions to support their educational path.

AI technology enables individuals to acquire new Interestingly, AI language models, such as virtual
knowledge and skills at their own pace and convenience, practice students, offer valuable opportunities for teacher
allowing for flexible learning options (Satpathy and Patnaik preparation. These models can act as practice students for
2021). It promotes professional development by offering new teachers, allowing them to gain practical experience in
specialized courses and training programs that cater to a controlled and supportive environment. This technology
specific industries and professions. AI empowers individuals enables teachers to practice their instructional techniques,
to stay updated with the latest advancements in their field classroom management skills, and communication
and enhance their expertise through continuous learning. strategies. By interacting with AI language models, new
Individualized training plans and courses are designed to teachers can refine their teaching methods and receive
support each person's career objectives. These plans are feedback on their performance. This innovative approach to
tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of individuals, teacher preparation has the potential to enhance the quality
ensuring that they receive the necessary skills and of education by equipping educators with the necessary
knowledge to advance in their chosen career paths. By skills and confidence to excel in the classroom.
offering personalized training, organizations promote Additionally, these interactions should be complemented by
lifelong learning, encouraging individuals to continuously real-world classroom experiences and mentorship from
develop their skills and stay updated with the latest industry knowledgeable educators. AI has the potential to greatly
trends and advancements. enhance classroom interactions and create personalized
learning environments. This could lead to a complete
Lastly, AI-powered interfaces have the advantage of transformation of the education system, benefiting both
offering constructive feedback without the same stakes or students and teachers.
potential self-consciousness that come with human
responses. This feedback is non-judgmental, allowing IV. PROLIFERATION OF AI-POWERED
students to learn from their mistakes without feeling TECHNOLOGY – IMPACT AND CONCERNS
discouraged. This feature may increase learners' comfort
level. It may also increase their motivation to participate The proliferation of AI-powered technologies has had a
actively in their studies. Learners are free to experiment, significant impact on the cognitive development of children.
take chances, and be vulnerable. AI-powered interfaces do With the increasing availability of smart devices and virtual
not pass judgment. Students are encouraged to explore new assistants, children are exposed to artificial intelligence from
ideas. They are also encouraged to ask questions and interact an early age. This exposure has both positive and negative
more freely in this welcoming setting. effects on their cognitive abilities. On one hand, AI-powered
technologies can enhance children's learning experiences.
III. TECHNOLOGY TRAINING TEACHERS Educational apps and games that utilize AI algorithms can
provide personalized learning opportunities, adapting to
Effective learning is fundamentally dependent on each child's individual needs and abilities. This can help
excellent teachers. These teachers possess a unique set of children develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving
skills and qualities that enable them to create a conducive abilities, and creativity. On the other hand, there are
learning environment. They have a deep understanding of concerns about the potential negative effects of AI on
their subject matter and can convey complex concepts children's cognitive development.
clearly and concisely. Additionally, they are skilled in
differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of their Particularly, there are concerns about how artificial
students. Excellent teachers also foster a positive and intelligence-powered toys and clever virtual assistants may
supportive However, one common challenge that teachers influence the next generation with their arrival. The impact
often face is the struggle to receive enough useful feedback of such items on the kids' interpersonal interactions and
to enhance their teaching methods. With the help of useful communication skills is a topic of concern. It is important to
insights and tools for professional development, artificial understand how these items can affect children's ability to
intelligence (AI) presents a viable solution to assist teachers interact with others and communicate effectively. How will
in honing their trade on a large scale. Intelligent tutoring they alter the likelihood that their requests will be met? Will
systems that can provide personalized learning experiences being surrounded by sophisticated, interactive devices alter
for students can adapt to individual student needs and how kids view their intelligence and capacity for learning?
provide targeted feedback and guidance. Similarly, These are important questions to consider in today's digital
automated grading systems that can save instructors time age.
and effort by automatically grading assignments and
providing feedback to students can help instructors focus on Smart speakers like Google Home and Alexa are
other aspects of teaching and provide more timely feedback becoming more common and are being integrated into
to students. Data analytical algorithms designed to assess households to provide various functionalities. With the help
collective student performance involve the use of AI to of AI, these smart speakers can perform tasks such as
analyze large datasets of student information. By doing so, playing music, answering questions, setting reminders, and
patterns and trends in student performance can be identified. controlling other smart devices in the home. Although these
This data-driven approach enables teachers to spot at-risk technologies provide comfort and pleasure, they also raise

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Volume 8, Issue 12, December – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
significant concerns over their possible effects on children's own emotions. They may use virtual aids as a diversion and
growth and behavior. Constant exposure to AI-powered an emotional escape, instead of facing their emotions head-
technology can harm children's communication skills. on. The development of emotional intelligence, which
Children may develop a habit of giving orders rather than entails being able to comprehend and manage one's
engaging in enjoyable and interactive interactions. This can emotions as well as empathize with those of others, may be
happen because these devices are designed to respond to hampered by this tendency to constantly seek external
voice commands. This may impact their interactions with stimulation.
actual people. Frequent use of AI devices may alter how
young children view social relationships. Children may have Concerns about the violation of privacy of minors have
different expectations and reactions while interacting with also been repeatedly expressed through academic studies
AI assistants compared to when they interact with real and activist protests (Unnamed 2018). These concerns were
humans. AI devices can respond to demands immediately, exemplified by a tragic event in 2017. The once-popular
which has contributed to the development of an instant interactive toy CloudPets teddy bears have been pulled from
satisfaction culture. Children's expectations in real-life shelves due to serious data breaches. This breach led to the
situations may be impacted by the fact that not everything disclosure of personal information, including photos and
can be met right away. This is because technology has made recordings of more than 2 million voices from children. The
everything so easily accessible and instant. Kids are used to situation not only affects the privacy of these children but
getting what they want with just a few clicks or taps on a also raises serious security concerns as their personal
screen. However, this constant need for instant gratification information falls into the wrong hands. The consequences of
can have negative consequences. Kids may become data breaches and privacy breaches are serious. Disclosure
frustrated when they don't get what they want right away. of children's personal information poses a risk to their safety
They may struggle with delayed gratification, which is the as well as a direct violation of privacy. From theft to
ability to wait for something and experience the satisfaction cyberbullying and other uses, misuse of information for
of receiving it later. Delayed gratification is an important children can have long-term consequences.
skill to develop because it teaches kids the value of patience
and perseverance. Parental involvement is essential for guiding children's
interactions with ‘smart’ technologies. As the digital world
Continuous exposure to AI devices may change how becomes an integral part of daily life, parents are responsible
young children perceive intelligence. As children interact for shaping their children's relationship with these smart
with these devices regularly, they may come to associate devices and making sure they use them responsibly. Parents
intelligence with the abilities and functions of AI. They must establish clear rules and time limits for technology use
might start to believe AI knows more than humans. Parents to achieve this, balancing screen time and other activities.
and educators play a crucial role in emphasizing the By monitoring the content their children access, parents can
importance of human creativity, critical thinking, and make sure that it is suitable for their age and morals. By
problem-solving abilities. These skills are invaluable and emphasizing the importance of security and privacy in
cannot be replaced by AI. By highlighting the significance online interactions, parents can also teach their children
of these abilities, we can ensure that future generations about responsible technology use.
understand their unique value in a world increasingly
influenced by artificial intelligence. Relying too much on AI V. INTEGRATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND AI
devices for activities like answering questions or playing
games may have an impact on independence. Specifically, it Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the user
may make kids less willing to explore and learn new things experience using its capabilities on social media. An
independently. Their development depends on promoting important example of artificial intelligence usage is found in
independent thought and problem-solving. One noticeable Facebook, which uses neural networks for image recognition
change is that children may end up spending more time and makes it easy for users to find and connect with friends
interacting with technology rather than with their family on the platform. learning has been shown to improve search
members. This shift in focus can have a profound effect on performance and enable people to find accurate information
the way families interact and connect. Maintaining healthy based on specific keywords. The rapidly changing media
family ties requires striking a balance between screen time landscape also presents challenges for top brands. Machine
and meaningful family time. This can involve engaging in learning algorithms analyze conversion data from social
activities that promote bonding and communication, such as media platforms, allowing marketers to uncover useful
having regular family meals, playing games, or going on insights and apply them to their marketing strategies.
outings. Machine learning and advanced word processing techniques
can help identify and combat misinformation in a piece.
There are legitimate concerns about how the rising use
of virtual assistants like Siri or Google Assistant may affect Despite numerous benefits, the integration of artificial
children's capacity to be alone with their thoughts and intelligence into social media platforms can hurt teenagers,
feelings. By engaging with these devices, people can easily who, in particular, are at high risk for addiction and activity
seek out instant relationships and constantly interact with from online sites as they are exposed to social media. It is
them. This constant access to entertainment and information worth noting that since 2012, the global spurge in mental
offered by virtual assistants makes it all too simple for health issues among young people has occurred parallel to
individuals, especially young people, to avoid facing their the shift from simple flip phones to smartphones with social

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Volume 8, Issue 12, December – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
media apps installed. It's worth noting, however, that most VII. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY
studies examining this phenomenon have focused on the FOR CHILDREN
most popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube,
and Snapchat. TikTok has grown in popularity among Computer science combines disciplines like
American teens in recent years, largely thanks to its unique computational creativity, generative models, and artificial
AI-powered algorithms. According to recent surveys, 58 intelligence for solving problems and carrying out tasks.
percent of teens say they use TikTok every day, and one- Therefore, successive generations must learn about
sixth say they use the platform "almost always” (Haidt and computer science, especially AI, beginning from the
Schmidt 2023). The power that these algorithms hold in elementary level. AI literacy allows students to investigate
influencing cognitive development and shaping the mindset how computers analyze and understand the information they
of children is immense. perceive. They have the chance to learn about the models
and algorithms that allow computers to recognize objects,
For social media companies, ongoing efforts must hear speech, read text, and interpret a variety of other types
prioritize AI integration that supports social cohesion, digital of data. Gaining knowledge of AI can help students
literacy, and ethics while implementing measures to protect understand machine learning, which is a crucial component
young users. Partnerships initiated by parents, teachers, of AI. It also enables students to delve into the intricate
policymakers, and stakeholders are necessary to develop workings of how computers interact with both real-world
policies and programs that support children's development and virtual environments. By carefully examining these
while preventing them from being controlled by technology. elements, students gain a thorough understanding of AI and
its capabilities. A critical evaluation of the ethical and social
VI. GENERATIVE ADVERSARIAL NETWORKS ramifications of AI technology is made possible through
AND THE ASSOCIATED RISKS education in AI, which equips people with the skills they
need to analyze, design, and build AI systems.
Generative AI algorithms, particularly Generative
Adversarial Networks (GANs), have led to the creation of The goal of teaching young students about AI ethical
highly realistic AI-generated content that is difficult to literacy is to equip them with the concepts, skills, and values
distinguish from real media. GANs have made significant they need to understand and navigate the ethical
strides and show promise in a variety of industries, including implications of AI technology. Children should be
art, imaging, healthcare, robotics, and accessibility. For introduced to the fundamental concepts of artificial
instance, it has the potential to improve medical imaging by intelligence and ethical issues in a way that is appropriate
generating high-quality images with increased resolution for their age groups. Children should learn the value of
and precision. As a result, healthcare professionals can make maintaining personal privacy as well as how artificial
more accurate diagnoses and plan treatments more intelligence systems handle their data. Children can learn
successfully. GANs have been used to create unique and about consent, protecting their personal information, and
intriguing works of music, art, and other types of creative potential risks associated with online data sharing. Children
content. GANs can be used by designers and artists to must be taught about the ethical usage of artificial
explore unexplored artistic genres, develop ground-breaking intelligence, which entails using AI tools and services in a
ideas, and go beyond the bounds of traditional artistic way that promotes general welfare, consideration for others,
expression (Unnamed 2022). and adherence to moral principles. Customized educational
materials, curricula, and interactive resources that are
However, they also present some challenges, created to correspond with children's developmental stages
particularly when it comes to creating and spreading false can greatly aid AI ethical literacy. We can contribute to the
information. One major concern with AI-generated media is growth of a future generation that responsibly, ethically, and
the production of deepfakes. Deepfakes are described as with a socially aware mindset uses AI technology by
manipulated or manufactured multimedia content, such as instilling in young children an understanding of AI ethics.
videos or pictures, that falsely show people acting or saying
things they haven't done. GANs have the potential to be VIII. CONCLUSION
abused to create remarkably convincing content which has
the potential to spread fake news, disseminate false In the realm of education, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
information, or damage someone's reputation. A proactive stands as a transformative force, offering personalized
and essential step to take is educating gullible people about learning experiences, innovative teaching methods, and
deepfakes and their capacity to spread false information. By global educational accessibility. AI-driven technologies
raising awareness and providing pertinent information, one have the potential to revolutionize curriculum development,
can aid people in developing more critical viewing habits. classroom interactions, and teacher training. From intelligent
tutoring systems to interactive simulations, AI fosters
critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among
students. However, the proliferation of AI in the lives of
children also raises concerns, particularly regarding social
skills, privacy, and the impact on emotional intelligence. It
is imperative for parents, educators, and policymakers to
guide children's interactions with AI devices and social
media platforms responsibly.

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Volume 8, Issue 12, December – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to


the esteemed Dr. Maroof Naieem Qadri (In-Charge Director,
Directorate of IT & SS, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal,
J&K-190006) and Dr. Ab Rouf Khan (Assistant Professor,
Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora,
J&K-192122, India) for their invaluable guidance and
insightful feedback during the research on the subject. They
would also like to thank Mehroz Nisar (Co-founder, Young
Kashmir Research Society, Hazratbal, J&K-190006, India)
for his assistance in the publication process. Deeya Pirzada
(New Middle East International School, Riyadh-16278,
Saudi Arabia), whose unwavering dedication played a
pivotal role in the completion of this paper, is deeply
appreciated. Due thanks to Visaal Syed (Freshman, Ashoka
University, Sonipat, Haryana-131029, India) for her
collaborative efforts in formatting the paper is highly
appreciated. The authors are sincerely grateful to all these
individuals for their contributions and support in making this
paper possible.

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[2]. S. Satpathy and S. Patnaik, “Role of Artificial
Intelligence in Social Media and Human Behavior,”
International Journal of Engineering and Advanced
Technology (IJEAT), ISSN: 2249-8958 (Online),
Volume-11 (Issue-1), October 2021.
[3]. Unnamed, “Children and AI: Where are the
opportunities and risks?” UNICEF INNOVATION
AND WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, July 2018.
[4]. J. Haidt and E. Schmidt, “AI is about to make Social
Media (Much) More Toxic,” The Atlantic, May 2023.
[5]. Unnamed, “Artificial Intelligence Dealing with Social
Media and Human Rights,” Edu birdie, July 2022.

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