What Youth need to know about AI
Good AI Use Applications
Youtube video explaining AI to kids https://youtu.be/kQPC4_DsJ8I?si=8zfmvdrtx4DHFHck
Most students know a little about how to use AI but would like to know more
By using AI kids can learn how machines think and how to program.
Learn to code using Scratch or Cursor
Help with homework
Healthcare- used for quicker diagnosis and insurance claims processing
Fraud detection
Google teachable machine- let’s kids explore AI without knowing how to code
Smart phones
Autonomous vehicles
Powerful problem solving assistant
Voice recognition
Marketing tool- learns individual preferences to make offerings tailored to the user; Amazon, Netflix, all social media platforms, Siri, Alexa, Spotify, autocorrect, Uber, Google Maps
Can be used to do research and compose writing assignments, which can be good but also invites plagiarism and may reduce critical thinking practice
Creating artwork and graphics
Learning and research
Pinwheel GPT offers AI with filters of inappropriate content for children
Bad AI Use Applications
Replika- “Join the millions who have already met their AI soulmates” Claims over 10 million users. Can steer conversations to romantic and erotic themes. No age screening for entry. This is an example of a parasocial relationship, which is one-sided and assumes a level of intimacy that is not real. Like Swifties and Taylor Swift.
Deep fakes using false images, voices, and age to groom and potentially abuse children
CSAM- AI generated child sexual abuse material, can be used to generate fake nudes of children so predators can threaten or coerce kids to give money or engage in acts they wouldn’t normally do.
Loss of privacy- may share your info with who knows?
Bias- perpetrates all the same judgements and prejudice human beings are capable of!
Currently a class action lawsuit to recoup original artwork copied from 15,000 artists without permission to train AI how to create art.
What do we do?
I don’t think we want to frighten young children, but we can explain that AI is not a real person, does not have feelings, and some things are better not said to an AI, like an Alexa speaker in the house. Some information should be kept private, like financial information, name address and date of birth, and so on. Show them how you practice safety online. Let them know AI is not an appropriate friend and may be used to bully, steal, or in other ways abuse. Promote critical thinking and online skepticism! Set clear boundaries, use privacy settings, and monitor online activities.
Teens need to know about the potential for bullying, problems with sharing images online, sextortion, voice cloning, and engaging in intimate romantic conversations. Teach privacy measures like clearing cookies and browser history and blocking unwanted marketing streams. Try using Ai together with them and talk about plagiarism. AI is a great tool but not a friend, definitely not a romantic partner as Replika would have you use it.
It’s way past time that technology and ethics shook hands. Right now there are few rules or laws governing AI use, or TV, or internet. There are some rules limiting the use of private information about kids under 13, but social media companies and advertisers frequently violate these rules.
You may also enjoy reading these articles:
https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-kids-say-they-need-to-understand-how-ai-works/2024/03