Should We Be Worried of AI? ? | Dr Shefali

People & Blogs

Introduction

Ten years ago, as a parent navigating the complexities of raising children, I viewed social media as relatively harmless. Fast forward a decade, and the alarming evidence reveals social media's toxic impact on our youth. We now find ourselves entering the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) with a similar naiveté, and while some voices are rising in opposition to its unchecked expansion, they seem too few and too quiet.

The data paints a troubling picture. Increasingly, we see that our children are struggling in ways that were scarcely acknowledged a decade ago. Reports indicate a rising tide of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety among young people. These are not mere statistics; they reflect the collective distress affecting the fabric of our society.

Initially, the television was perceived as a problematic influence, soon followed by the emergence of bulky devices that became our lifelines. Today, technology has miniaturized to the extent that it easily fits in our children's pockets, ensuring constant connectivity. The more concerning development is the prospect of AI becoming a fixture in their lives—perhaps to the point of disconnecting them from reality altogether.

This imminent shift fills me with a palpable sense of panic whenever the word "AI" is mentioned. It feels imperative that we consider the potential ramifications of integrating AI more deeply into our daily lives and the lives of our children. Why aren’t we more alarmed? The patterns are clear, and the risks warrant urgent discussion and action.

Keywords

  • AI
  • social media
  • toxic impact
  • self-harm
  • suicide
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • technology
  • disconnect from reality

FAQ

Q1: Why should we be concerned about AI?
A1: There are growing worries about AI’s potential impact on children's mental health and its ability to disconnect individuals from reality, similar to the consequences seen with social media.

Q2: How has social media affected children?
A2: Studies have shown a significant increase in self-harm, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among children correlated with social media usage.

Q3: Are there any positive aspects of AI?
A3: While AI has potential benefits in various fields, the focus here is on the risks it poses to children and their development, so a balanced view is essential.

Q4: What actions can parents take regarding AI?
A4: Parents should stay informed about AI developments, consider setting boundaries, and engage in conversations with their children about its risks and realities.

Q5: How can society address the negative impacts of technology?
A5: There should be an open dialogue on the risks posed by technologies like AI, fostering community awareness and pushing for regulations or guidelines for their use, especially amongst children.